Patents by Inventor Robert J. Bolender
Robert J. Bolender has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11481074Abstract: A processing system for an input device includes an in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) receiver module including a first and second charge integrators, and first and second demodulator modules. The I/Q receiver module alternates integration of a resulting signal, received from a receiver electrode of the input device, between the first and the second charge integrators in four consecutive quarter cycles, to obtain four consecutive integration results. The four consecutive quarter cycles coincide with one cycle of a local oscillator signal for the first and second demodulator modules. The I/Q receiver module further alternates demodulation of the four consecutive integration results between the first and second demodulator modules. The first demodulator module performs an in-phase demodulation to produce an in-phase component of a sensing signal associated with the first resulting signal, and the second demodulator module performs a quadrature demodulation to produce a quadrature component of the sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Patent number: 11256376Abstract: A sensing system is provided. A processing system drives a first subset of sensor electrodes with a sensing signal and receives corresponding resulting signals. The processing system also drives a second subset of the sensor electrodes with a reference signal and a third subset of the sensor electrodes with a guard signal. A rotatable electronic device includes a first coupling electrode and a second coupling electrode. The second coupling electrode couples with and receives the reference signal from the second subset of the sensor electrodes. The rotatable electronic device also includes a conductive region that rotates relative to the first coupling electrode and the second coupling electrode. The resulting signals are affected based on the position of the conductive region relative to the first coupling electrode when the first coupling electrode is coupled with the first subset of the sensor electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Kelvin Fong, Chun-Hsi Chen, Robert J. Bolender
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Publication number: 20210232260Abstract: A rotatable device has a stationary base including bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface has a first set of coupling electrodes configured to receive a reference signal from first electrodes of an attached input device, and second and third sets of coupling electrodes each configured to receive resulting signals from a second set of input device electrodes. The top surface of the stationary base has first, second and third top regions respectively connected to the first, second and third sets of coupling electrodes. The rotatable device further includes a rotary wheel, configured to rotate relative to the stationary base, with a bottom portion provided with alternating conductive and non-conductive regions and configured to align with the top portion of the stationary base. The resulting signals of the input device are modified by the relative positions of the stationary base and the rotary wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Kelvin FONG, Chun-Hsi CHEN, Robert J. BOLENDER
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Patent number: 11029349Abstract: An input device is disclosed that provides reduced electromagnetic emissions while detecting the presence of an input object. In one embodiment, a first set of sensor electrodes is driven with a first modulated signal while a second set of sensor electrodes is driven with a second set of modulated signals that is based on an inverted first modulated signal. The first set of sensor electrodes may determine a capacitance value while the second set of sensor electrodes may reduce electromagnetic emissions associated with the first set of sensor electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Patent number: 10921913Abstract: A rotatable device has a stationary base including bottom and top surfaces. The bottom surface has a first set of coupling electrodes configured to receive a reference signal from first electrodes of an attached input device, and second and third sets of coupling electrodes each configured to receive resulting signals from a second set of input device electrodes. The top surface of the stationary base has first, second and third top regions respectively connected to the first, second and third sets of coupling electrodes. The rotatable device further includes a rotary wheel, configured to rotate relative to the stationary base, with a bottom portion provided with alternating conductive and non-conductive regions and configured to align with the top portion of the stationary base. The resulting signals of the input device are modified by the relative positions of the stationary base and the rotary wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Kelvin Fong, Robert J. Bolender
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Publication number: 20200300900Abstract: An input device is disclosed that provides reduced electromagnetic emissions while detecting the presence of an input object. In one embodiment, a first set of sensor electrodes is driven with a first modulated signal while a second set of sensor electrodes is driven with a second set of modulated signals that is based on an inverted first modulated signal. The first set of sensor electrodes may determine a capacitance value while the second set of sensor electrodes may reduce electromagnetic emissions associated with the first set of sensor electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventor: Robert J. BOLENDER
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Patent number: 10444922Abstract: Sensor electrodes are coupled, in a first configuration, to input channels of a processing system. The sensor electrodes are used to acquire a measurement of current. In a second configuration that is different from the first configuration, the sensor electrodes are coupled to the input channels. The sensor electrodes in the second configuration are used to acquire a capacitive resulting signal. Positional information is determined using the current measurement and the capacitive resulting signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Derek R. Solven, Matthew Stevenson, Robert J. Bolender, Jonathan Losh
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Publication number: 20180364833Abstract: Sensor electrodes are coupled, in a first configuration, to input channels of a processing system. The sensor electrodes are used to acquire a measurement of current. In a second configuration that is different from the first configuration, the sensor electrodes are coupled to the input channels. The sensor electrodes in the second configuration are used to acquire a capacitive resulting signal. Positional information is determined using the current measurement and the capacitive resulting signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Derek R. Solven, Matthew Stevenson, Robert J. Bolender, Jonathan Losh
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Patent number: 10148268Abstract: A keyboard including a plurality of key assemblies configured to be pressed by an input object. A subset of the plurality of key assemblies each includes a key cap and a first electrode pair underneath the key cap and configured to detect key motion in response to downward force applied by the input object. The key cap also includes a second electrode pair disposed underneath the key cap and configured to detect positional information about the input object interacting with the key cap.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Publication number: 20180181251Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of electrodes, and a related processing system and input device are disclosed. The method comprises driving, within a first time period, a plurality of sensor electrodes with a first signal. A first portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes defines a first sensing region within a first region, and a second portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes defines a first border region within the first region. The method further comprises driving a plurality of mitigation electrodes with a second, opposite polarity signal to mitigate electromagnetic emissions resulting from driving the plurality of sensor electrodes. The plurality of mitigation electrodes defines a second region adjacent to the first border region. The method further comprises acquiring, responsive to driving the plurality of sensor electrodes, first capacitive measurements with the first portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: June 28, 2018Inventors: Robert J. BOLENDER, Donald R. SCHROPP, JR.
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Patent number: 9947493Abstract: Magnetically biased retracting key assemblies and keyboards are provided. A key assembly includes a touch surface for receiving a press input from a user and a planar-translation-effecting (PTE) mechanism configured to guide as the keycap moves from an un-pressed position toward a pressed position. The key assembly also includes a ready-return mechanism configured to magnetically biased the keycap in the un-pressed position, the ready-return mechanism including a slider mechanism positioned beneath the keycap and coupled to the PTE mechanism. When the press surface receives a press input the slider mechanism translates away from the magnet as the PTE mechanism guides the keycap from the un-pressed position toward the pressed position. In some embodiments, the PTE mechanism and the ready-return mechanism translate with respect to a chassis layer providing a key retraction feature for the key assembly or keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: VanDee Moua, Douglas Krumpelman, Peter Bokma, Robert J. Bolender, Chris Weber
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Patent number: 9941878Abstract: Devices and methods for capacitively sensing key cap position during the initial and latter stages of a keystroke. A key assembly includes a stationary key guide magnet, a movable key cap magnet, and a transmitter/receiver electrode pair. One or both of the electrodes underlies the key cap. The capacitance change between the electrodes during a keystroke includes the capacitance change between the key cap and the electrode pair, and the change in capacitance between the key cap and the key guide. Key cap position may thus be accurately detected throughout the entire keystroke.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Robert J. Bolender, Joseph Kurth Reynolds
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Patent number: 9874983Abstract: In a method of capacitive sensing, a first plurality of sensor electrodes of a sensor electrode pattern is coupled, in a first configuration, to input channels of a processing system. The sensor electrode pattern is associated with a sensing region. The first configuration of the first plurality sensor of electrodes is utilized to acquire a measurement of current. A noise environment is determined through analysis of the measurement of current. At least one subset of the first plurality of sensor electrodes is coupled, in a second configuration, to the input channels. The second configuration and the first configuration are different. The second configuration of the first plurality of sensor electrodes is utilized to acquire capacitive resulting signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Derek R. Solven, Matthew Stevenson, Robert J. Bolender, Jonathan Losh
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Patent number: 9772729Abstract: Input devices which include a capacitive force sensor, along with methods of making and using such, are provided. The input device includes a structural component having first and second substantially opposing sides, a plurality of sensor electrodes located on the first side of the structural component, the plurality of sensor electrodes configured to capacitively sense positional information associated with user input in a sensing region, a first capacitive electrode located on the second side of the structural component, the first capacitive electrode being configured to capacitively couple to a second capacitive electrode that is separated from the first capacitive electrode by a gas and moveable relative to the first capacitive electrode, and a biasing member configured to be physically coupled to the structural component such that a force associated with the user input causes a change in a separation distance between the first and second capacitive electrodes based on the force.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Publication number: 20170149433Abstract: A keyboard including a plurality of key assemblies configured to be pressed by an input object. A subset of the plurality of key assemblies each includes a key cap and a first electrode pair underneath the key cap and configured to detect key motion in response to downward force applied by the input object. The key cap also includes a second electrode pair disposed underneath the key cap and configured to detect positional information about the input object interacting with the key cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Patent number: 9618981Abstract: A capacitive input device has a sensor electrode pattern disposed on a first side of a substrate. The sensor electrode pattern comprises a plurality of sensor electrode elements disposed on the first side of a first substrate. A plurality of routing traces is disposed along a first edge of the sensor electrode pattern on the first side of the substrate and configured to communicatively couple at least some of the sensor electrodes with a processing system. A pair of guard traces is disposed in the same layer as and brackets the plurality of routing traces. A guard overlaps the routing traces, is disposed proximate the routing traces on the first side of the substrate, and ohmically couples the pair of guard traces with one another. A second insulator is disposed between the routing traces and the guard. The second insulator and the first insulator are disposed in the same layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Jim Dunphy, Robert J Bolender, Adam Schwartz, David Hoch
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Patent number: 9600084Abstract: A keyboard including a plurality of key assemblies configured to be pressed by an input object. A subset of the plurality of key assemblies each includes a key cap and a first electrode pair underneath the key cap and configured to detect key motion in response to downward force applied by the input object. The key cap also includes a second electrode pair disposed underneath the key cap and configured to detect positional information about the input object interacting with the key cap.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Robert J. Bolender
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Publication number: 20160378221Abstract: In a method of capacitive sensing, a first plurality of sensor electrodes of a sensor electrode pattern is coupled, in a first configuration, to input channels of a processing system. The sensor electrode pattern is associated with a sensing region. The first configuration of the first plurality sensor of electrodes is utilized to acquire a measurement of current. A noise environment is determined through analysis of the measurement of current. At least one subset of the first plurality of sensor electrodes is coupled, in a second configuration, to the input channels. The second configuration and the first configuration are different. The second configuration of the first plurality of sensor electrodes is utilized to acquire capacitive resulting signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Derek R. SOLVEN, Matthew STEVENSON, Robert J. BOLENDER, Jonathan LOSH
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Publication number: 20160308531Abstract: Devices and methods for capacitively sensing key cap position during the initial and latter stages of a keystroke. A key assembly includes a stationary key guide magnet, a movable key cap magnet, and a transmitter/receiver electrode pair. One or both of the electrodes underlies the key cap. The capacitance change between the electrodes during a keystroke includes the capacitance change between the key cap and the electrode pair, and the change in capacitance between the key cap and the key guide. Key cap position may thus be accurately detected throughout the entire keystroke.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Robert J. Bolender, Joesph Kurth Reynolds
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Patent number: 9406453Abstract: Devices and methods for capacitively sensing key cap position during the initial and latter stages of a keystroke. A key assembly includes a stationary key guide magnet, a movable key cap magnet, and a transmitter/receiver electrode pair. One or both of the electrodes underlies the key cap. The capacitance change between the electrodes during a keystroke includes the capacitance change between the key cap and the electrode pair, and the change in capacitance between the key cap and the key guide. Key cap position may thus be accurately detected throughout the entire keystroke.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Robert J. Bolender, Joseph Kurth Reynolds