Abstract: A fingerprint identification apparatus includes a substrate, a second electrode layer, and a first electrode layer. The first electrode layer includes parallel first electrodes, and at least parts of the first electrodes have openings or dents. The second electrode layer includes parallel second electrodes and the second electrodes cross with the first electrodes on the substrate, where the openings or the dents are defined at the cross points from projected view. The second electrode is applied with transmitting signal and the corresponding electric field lines are received by the first electrode. The electric field lines detouring the edges of the first electrodes, or detouring the openings (or the dents) have induction with the finger close to or touching the first electrodes. The number of the effective electric field lines and the effective mutual capacitance changes can be increased to enhance the fingerprint sensing accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a first comparator configured to: receive an input proximity signal indicating a proximity of a target device, receive a second reference signal associated with a second distance, make a first comparison of the input proximity signal to the second reference signal, and provide a first output proximity signal based on the first comparison; and a second comparator configured to: receive the input proximity signal, receive the first output proximity signal, make a second comparison of the input proximity signal using the first output proximity signal, and provide a second output proximity signal based on the second comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for forming films having uniformity of thickness on substrates. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to measure thickness or other properties of films being deposited on a substrate without knowing beforehand the surface properties of the substrate. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to measure thickness or other properties of a plurality of layers being formed. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in measuring thickness of vertical memory stacks.

Abstract: The communication device includes a circuit board and a camera mechanism comprising a metal shielding and a camera module positioned on the circuit board. The metal shielding is arranged on the circuit board to cover the camera module and an antenna mechanism is arranged on the metal shielding and electrically connected to a ground region of the circuit board through the metal shielding. A wireless signal generated by the camera module is output by the antenna mechanism and radiates outward from the metal shielding.

Abstract: A fingerprint detection circuit includes: a detection electrode, where a first capacitance is formed between a finger and the detection electrode, a second capacitance is formed between the finger and a virtual ground, and a parasitic capacitance is formed between the detection electrode and the virtual ground; an amplifier, where an inverting input end of the amplifier is connected to the detection electrode and a non-inverting input end of the amplifier is connected to an excitation signal; and a feedback capacitance, where one end of the feedback capacitance is connected to the inverting input end of the amplifier, the other end of the feedback capacitance is connected to an output end of the amplifier, and the output end of the amplifier outputs an output signal of the fingerprint detection circuit. There is no need to connect an excitation signal to a finger of a user through an external electrode.

Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensing apparatus includes sensing electrodes, a sensing driver and a processing module. Under a first self-capacitive sensing mode, the sensing driver combines M adjacent sensing electrodes to form a first sensing electrode set to perform a first self-capacitive sensing to obtain a first self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal; under a second self-capacitive sensing mode, the sensing driver combines N adjacent sensing electrodes to form a second sensing electrode set to perform a second self-capacitive sensing to obtain a second self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal. M and N are positive integers larger than 1. The processing module generates a first self-capacitive fingerprint pattern and a second self-capacitive fingerprint pattern according to first self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal and second self-capacitive fingerprint sensing signal and combines them into a third self-capacitive fingerprint pattern.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensor for reinforcing an electric field and preventing electric interference between adjacent electrodes. The fingerprint sensor includes a plurality of sensor electrodes provided on a substrate, an insulating layer, and a discontinuous grid formed in the insulating layer. The discontinuous grid includes a plurality of walls that are arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) manner. The plurality of walls are electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology may comprise methods and apparatus for a 3-dimensional capacitive sensor. The method and apparatus may comprise a sensing element formed along multiple planes to create a sensing field. The capacitive sensor comprises at least two parallel sensing planes. Each sensing plane may comprise two electrodes, where one electrode of each sensing plane be configured to operate as a transmission electrode and a reception electrode.

Abstract: A hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor system includes: capacitive sensor electrodes; an optical image sensor having a plurality of image sensor pixels; light conditioning elements, configured to condition light from a sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor for detection by the optical image sensor; and a processing system having one or more controllers, configured to operate the capacitive sensor electrodes in a low-power mode of operation for the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor, and to operate the optical image sensor to acquire an image from the sensing region of the hybrid capacitive and optical fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining a physical property of a finger using a sensor comprising a two-dimensional measuring arrangement including a plurality of measuring elements, each defining a measuring element position in the measuring arrangement, and each comprising a finger electrode spaced apart from the finger by a dielectric structure. For each measuring element position, the method comprises the steps of performing a first sensing operation using a first capacitive configuration, acquiring a first measurement value for the first capacitive configuration, performing a second sensing operation using a second capacitive configuration, acquiring a second measurement value for the second capacitive configuration. The physical property of the finger is determined based on the first and second measurement values for each measuring element position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a fingerprint sensor device for fingerprint detection includes an array of sensor pixels to capacitively couple with a touched portion of a finger to form an array of fingerprint associated capacitors having capacitive values indicative of a fingerprint. Each sensor pixel includes an output terminal configured to output an output signal that indicates a local capacitive coupling with the touched portion of the finger as part of fingerprint data for fingerprint detection; a capacitive sensing layer including an electrically conductive material that can be capacitively coupled to a local part of the touched portion of the finger, forming a fingerprint associated capacitor, the capacitive sensing layer operable to be coupled to the output terminal to cause the output signal; an integrated circuit layout layer that is electrically conductive; a fingerprint voltage generator; and a layout voltage generator.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a fingerprint, a fingerprint identification apparatus and a controlling method of a sensor for detecting a fingerprint are provided. The sensor for detecting the fingerprint includes a detecting panel including: a detecting region with a plurality of detecting units, in which the plurality of detecting units are distributed in a plurality rows and columns on the detecting region; and a conductive layer, configured to form a sensing capacitance between the conductive layer and a finger when the finger is close to the detecting region; a capacitance detecting module, configured to detect the sensing capacitance; and a control module.

Abstract: The disclosure features living object detectors for a wireless energy transfer systems that include a sensor featuring a first conductor positioned adjacent to a first surface of a substrate, a shield featuring a second conductor different from the first conductor, where at least a portion of the second conductor is positioned proximal to the first conductor and adjacent to the first surface of the substrate, a ground reference featuring a third conductor spaced from the substrate and positioned on a side of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and an electrical circuit coupled to the first, second and third conductors and configured so that during operation of the living object detector, the electrical circuit applies a first electrical potential to the first conductor and a second electrical potential to the second conductor, the first and second electrical potentials being approximately similar.

Abstract: On the basis of the physical principle that a capacitance value is inversely proportional to the distance between capacitive electrodes, the spatial structure of the surface of an object can be imaged by measuring a coupling capacitance between the surface of measured object and the electrode arrays on a surface of a sensor; for example, imaging may be performed to uneven spaces between ridge lines and valley lines of fingerprints. The present application provides a C-Q-T type capacitive fingerprint sensor. Firstly, coupling capacitance differences between the fingerprints and the electrodes of the sensor are converted into charge quantity differences, then the charge quantity differences are converted into time differences, and edge signals carrying the time differences are output. Fingerprint sensors are grouped into an array, reading and data combination may be performed to the edge signals, and imaging may be performed to fingerprints.

Abstract: A tip clearance measurement system (TCMS) includes a probe and sensing circuitry. The probe directs microwave signals toward a turbine blade and receives microwave signals reflected by the turbine blade. The sensing circuitry includes a switch having a first state in which a main frequency is provided at an output of the switch and a second state in which a reference frequency is provided at an output of the switch. The sensing circuitry further includes a first conditioning circuit that receives a frequency provided at the output of the switch and provides a conditioned frequency to the probe and a second conditioning circuit that receives both the conditioned frequency provided by the first conditioning circuit and a reflected frequency received by the probe, and provides a conditioned output based on the conditioned frequency and reflected frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for compensating for drift that may be present in a force sensing device. In some embodiments, the force sensing device may be calibrated to compensate for the drift. The calibration may include receiving an input waveform associated with a received amount of force on the force sensing device. A system model that approximates a transfer function that provides an output waveform associated with the input waveform is then determined. Using the system model, an inverse transfer function associated with the system model is also determined. The inverse transfer function may then be applied to the output waveform which compensates for the drift.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of sensing a fingerprint pattern of a finger using a fingerprint sensing device. The method comprising: controlling a group of sensing elements to change a potential of a group of sensing structures comprised in said group of sensing elements; acquiring, in response to said variation in potential, a response signal from a finger detecting circuitry indicative of the capacitive coupling between the group of sensing structures and the finger detecting structure; comparing a variation in the response signal with a predefined threshold value; and providing a signal indicating that a finger is present when the variation in response signal is greater than the threshold value. The invention also relates to a corresponding fingerprint sensing device.

Abstract: A capacitive liquid level sensor is provided comprising a capacitive probe having a capacitance and comprising a sensing tip wherein the capacitive probe is configured such that the capacitance of the probe changes when the sensing tip is exposed to liquid. A signal generator operates to supply an electrical signal alternating between a high and low state to the capacitive probe, the electrical signal being configured such that the probe is alternately charged and discharged when the signal is high or low respectively. A comparator operates to detect the magnitude of an electrical signal across the capacitive probe and provides a first output signal value when the detected signal magnitude is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a second output signal value when the signal magnitude is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes include a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. Methods for non-destructive evaluation include providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range.

Abstract: A fitting for positioning a probe in a hot gas path within a casing of a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The fitting includes a main body attachable to the casing opposite the hot gas path. The main body includes an internal bore and one or more cooling holes in communication with the internal bore. A compliant seal is positionable within the internal bore. In addition, a follower is positionable within the internal bore adjacent to the compliant seal. Moreover, the fitting includes a fastener configured to mate with the main body. In this manner, the follower deforms the compliant seal about the probe within the main body to secure and seal the probe within the main body.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid surface detection methods and devices, and immunoassay analyzers. By changing the power source input of a signal drive circuit, an effective voltage of a drive signal applied by the signal drive circuit on a liquid dispensing probe is a negative voltage, so that the liquid dispensing probe is protected as the cathode in an electrolytic cell formed between the liquid dispensing probe and the cleaning fluid, and is prevented from being corroded by the cleaning fluid and rusting. Moreover, the intrinsic detection flexibility and performance of the liquid surface detection device can be ensured, and the requirements on the material and process of the liquid dispensing probe are not high, thereby effectively controlling the cost.

Abstract: A water-resistant capacitance sensing apparatus comprising a plurality of capacitive sense elements and a capacitance sensing circuit configured to measure both the mutual capacitance and self-capacitance on the plurality of capacitive sense elements. A method for water-resistant capacitance sensing, the method comprising performing a self-capacitance scan and a mutual capacitance scan, and detecting, by a processing device, a presence of an object with the plurality of sense elements. The method further determines whether the detected presence of the object is legitimate.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance detection circuit includes a charge amplifier that has an operational amplifier in which a capacitor is provided on a feedback path, and into which a signal including detection of electric charge of an inter-electrode capacitor of a sensor electrode and electric charge due to an external noise, and a selection switch that can switch a direction of a capacitor that is connected to input and output terminals of the charge amplifier through a feedback path that switches the direction of the capacitor depending on a direction of electric charge flowing in from a detection-side electrode of the sensor electrode, due to a drive signal applied to the sensor electrode.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system comprises a sensor array with a plurality of sensing structures and read-out circuitry connectable to each of the sensing structures, and power supply circuitry arranged to provide to the read-out circuitry a substantially constant supply voltage being a difference between a high potential and a low potential. The fingerprint sensing system is configured in such a way that the low potential and the high potential are variable while substantially maintaining the supply voltage, and the read-out circuitry is connectable to each of the sensing structures in such a way that a variation in the low potential and the high potential while substantially maintaining the supply voltage results in a change of the charge carried by a sensing structure connected to the read-out circuitry. The change in charge is indicative of a capacitive coupling between the sensing structure and the finger.

Abstract: Fingerprint sensing circuit packages and methods of making such packages may comprise a first substrate having a top side and a bottom side; the top side comprising a fingerprint image sensing side over which a user's fingerprint is swiped; the bottom side comprising a metal layer forming a fingerprint sensing circuit image sensor structure; and a sensor control circuit housed in a sensor control circuit package mounted on the metal layer. The sensor control circuit may comprise an integrated circuit die contained within the sensor control circuit package. The fingerprint sensing circuit package may also have a second substrate attached to the bottom side of the first substrate having a second substrate bottom side on which is placed connector members connecting the fingerprint sensing circuit package to a device using a fingerprint image generated from the fingerprint sensing circuitry contained in the fingerprint sensing circuitry package.

Abstract: Disclosed are a glass type terminal capable of supporting gestures using one finger or two fingers by providing a three-dimensional input device at a temple hinged to a rim of a lens, and an input method thereof. For three-dimensional touch inputs, the temple is configured to have an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner side surface and an outer side surface provided touch sensor, respectively. Upon sensing of a touch input applied onto said one or more surfaces of the temple using one finger or two fingers, a screen displayed on a lens is controlled in correspondence to the sensed touch input. Under such configuration, a user can control the screen in a more convenient manner.

Abstract: A shock absorber mounting device joins a shock absorber provided between an axle and a vehicle body to the vehicle body. The shock absorber mounting device includes a magnetic rubber mount having magnetic particles thereinside and being provided between the shock absorber and the vehicle body, an electromagnetic coil configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic particles, and a controller configured to supply an excitation current to the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A method of aligning a capacitive wireless power transmission system, the method comprises: providing a transmitter device having a capacitive conductor; positioning a receiver device having a capacitive conductor in proximity to the capacitive conductor of the transmitter device; and aligning the capacitive conductors of the transmitter device and the receiver device with one another using a display panel on the receiver device to optimize a transfer of power between the capacitive conductors.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method monitor changes in clearance distances between a sensor and a rotating component of a machine. Imbalance and/or wear in the machine is identified based on the changes in the clearance distances. The system and method optionally both measure the clearance distances and a rotating speed of the rotating component of the machine with the same sensor. In order to identify imbalance in the machine, a spectral energy of the machine can be calculated based on the changes in the clearance distances, and the imbalance in the machine can be identified based on the spectral energy. The system and method can determine a trigger speed of the machine that is associated with the wear in the machine based on the changes in the clearance distance. A remaining useful life of the machine can be estimated based on changes in the trigger speed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an input device having a plurality of sensor electrodes that can be configured to be scanned in a first direction or a second direction. The input device includes a set of sensor electrodes and first and second sets of buses. The first buses are oriented in a first direction and the second buses are oriented in a second direction. The input device also includes a set of switching elements that are each configured to couple one of the sensor electrodes to either a bus in the first set of buses or a bus in the second set of buses. These embodiments allow the sensor electrodes to be scanned in a variety of patterns for flexible sensing functionality.

Abstract: A touch panel system (1) according to one aspect of the invention includes: a stylus pen (15) including a drive circuit (26) that generates a first driving voltage based on a first code sequence and a second driving voltage based on a second code sequence, and a sensor circuit (40) that drives a pen point (38) with a multiplexed voltage obtained by multiplexing the first driving voltage and the second driving voltage; and a touch panel controller (2) that detects a position of the stylus pen (15) touching a touch panel.

Abstract: A touch apparatus includes a substrate, a plurality of first sensing electrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes, a plurality of third sensing electrodes, a plurality of fourth sensing electrodes, a switch module and a control unit. The switch module is electrically connected with the first sensing electrodes, the second sensing electrodes, the third sensing electrodes and the fourth sensing electrodes. The control unit is electrically connected with the switch module. The touch apparatus decide the connection mode of the switch module according to the touch strength of a touch point on the touch apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to aid in a calibration of a vertical orientation of a nozzle tip to a sample container in a processing or testing system. The method includes positioning the nozzle over a calibration target at a home height location (HM), moving the nozzle downward a distance (D) until contact with the calibration target is sensed, positioning the nozzle over the sample rack and moving the nozzle downward until contact with a registration location is sensed, imaging the sample rack and calibration target to determine a height (H) between the registration location and calibration target, and calculating a translation ratio (TR) between the height (H) measured in pixel space and the distance (D) measured in machine space. The translation ratio (TR) may be used to drive the nozzle tip to a predetermined depth. A robot calibration system is disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A semiconductor physical quantity detection sensor includes (1) a first electrostatic capacitance formed by the movable electrode, and a first fixed electrode formed in a first conductive layer shared with the movable electrode, (2) a second electrostatic capacitance that is formed by the movable electrode, and a second fixed electrode formed in a second conductive layer different in a height from a substrate surface from the movable electrode, and (3) an arithmetic circuit that calculates the physical quantity on the basis of a change in the first and second electrostatic capacitances generated when the physical quantity is applied. In this configuration, an electric signal from the first electrostatic capacitance, and an electric signal from the second electrostatic capacitance are input to the arithmetic circuit.

Abstract: Techniques for three dimensional capacitive sensing are described herein. The techniques include a system including a three dimensional transmitting electrode to emit charge having an electric field. The system may include a three dimensional receiving electrode to receive the charge creating a capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

Abstract: A method is presented. The method includes selecting a first window of signals and a second window of signals from clearance signals representative of clearances between a rotating component and a stationary casing surrounding the rotating component, determining a first signed average power value corresponding to the first window of signals, and a second signed average power value corresponding to the second window of signals, determining a resultant value based upon the first signed average power value and the second signed average power value, and determining one or more defects or potential defects in the rotating component based upon the resultant value.

Abstract: A notification sound control unit (10) of an approaching vehicle audible system (100), generating a signal for a notification sound to be emitted from a sounding device (40) provided in an electric vehicle (200) in which at least part of driving force is produced by a motor to the outside of the electric vehicle (200), is provided with a behavior conversion processing section (21) that changes through time change processing an accelerator opening degree signal (11) among vehicle information signals (1) of the electric vehicle (200) so as to output a processed accelerator opening degree signal and with a notification sound signal generation processing section (3) that changes a pitch and a volume of a sound element signal outputted from a sound element (31, 310), based on the processed accelerator opening degree signal, so as to generate a notification sound signal.

Abstract: A hole-shape measuring apparatus is provided with a hole diameter measuring mechanism which measures the diameter of a flush bolt hole, and a countersunk head depth measuring mechanism which measures a countersunk head depth. The hole diameter measuring mechanism has a hole diameter measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a constant portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the diameter of the constant portion, and a hole diameter measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the hole diameter measuring rod. The countersunk head depth measuring mechanism has a countersunk head depth measuring rod configured so as to be inserted into a countersunk head portion at a tip portion and displaced according to the countersunk head depth, and a countersunk head depth measuring sensor which measures the amount of displacement of the countersunk head depth measuring rod.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device and a method of manufacture are provided. The capacitive sensor device includes at least one sensor tip that includes an electrode positioned at a first end of the sensor tip, and a stem member coupled to the electrode and extending toward a second end of the sensor tip. The device also includes a coaxial cable including a center conductor, the center conductor coupled to the sensor tip at the second end, and an insulation layer supporting the sensor tip between the first and second ends. The insulation layer includes a metallization on a portion surrounding the second end of the sensor tip. The device further includes a casing surrounding a portion of the coaxial cable, the metallization, and the coupling of the center conductor and the sensor tip, wherein a braze joint is formed between the casing and the metallization to form a hollow, hermetic cavity.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing system comprises a sensor array with a plurality of sensing structures and read-out circuitry connectable to each of the sensing structures, and power supply circuitry arranged to provide to the read-out circuitry a substantially constant supply voltage being a difference between a high potential and a low potential. The fingerprint sensing system is configured in such a way that the low potential and the high potential are variable while substantially maintaining the supply voltage, and the read-out circuitry is connectable to each of the sensing structures in such a way that a variation in the low potential and the high potential while substantially maintaining the supply voltage results in a change of the charge carried by a sensing structure connected to the read-out circuitry. The change in charge is indicative of a capacitive coupling between the sensing structure and the finger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor body (1?) that can be used as part of a sensor assembly, optionally a capacitive sensor that is used to measure the clearance between the tip of a gas turbine engine blade and the surrounding casing. The sensor body includes a core layer (2) having an electrically conductive electrode layer (6). An outer insulating layer (4) substantially surrounds the core layer (2) and extends along a front part (8) of the sensor body to define a window layer (10) that provides a hermetic seal that excludes gas from any interface between the constituent layers of the sensor body. The core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4) are formed from the same electrically non-conducting ceramic material to avoid any problems with differential thermal expansion. The electrode layer (6) is embedded within a front part of the sensor body and extends between the core layer (2) and the window layer (10).

Abstract: A method for actuating a closure element arrangement, of a vehicle, wherein the closure element arrangement has a control system having a controller and a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement has at least one elongate distance sensor with a sensor extent, wherein a distance A from a user B can be detected with respect to the sensor extent with the distance sensor, which user B is located at a longitudinal position along the sensor extent. At least two elongate sensor sections, of the at least one distance sensor are provided, which sensor sections are each configured to detect a distance A from a user B, that the sensor sections have changing sensor configurations along the sensor extent, and that the longitudinal position of the user B is determined as a function of the sensor measured values of the at least two sensor sections by means of the controller.

Abstract: Operation equipment for a vehicle includes a control element, an actuator device, and an electronic control unit. A sensor distinguishes an origin of a control action applied to the control element. The control element is operated in a contactless manner. The sensor may use signal transmission through a human body. The origins distinguished may include a driver seat and a passenger seat.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel, and an electrostatic capacitive type touch panel which is formed in an overlapping manner with the display panel. A plurality of X electrodes and a plurality of Y electrodes intersecting with the X electrodes. A first signal line supplies signals to the X electrodes, a second signal line supplies signals to the Y electrodes, and the first signal line and the second signal line are formed on a flexible printed circuit board. A dummy electrode is formed adjacent to an electrode portion of each X electrode and electrode portion of each Y electrode, the dummy electrode does not overlap the X electrode and the Y electrode, and the dummy electrode does not electrically connect with the first and second signal lines.

Abstract: A method for measuring and adjusting gaps between a rotor and a stator of a machine using a sensor is provided. The measuring is conducted when the rotor is operated at a rotational speed below a nominal rotational speed of the machine and without the machine being in operation. The adjusting of the gap is carried out as a function of at least one gap dimension of the gap. The sensor is not resistant to an operating temperature of the machine occurring in a region where the sensor is located. After completion of the measuring the machine is operated with the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce cross-talk between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic toilet and between multiple capacitive sensors used in an electronic faucet and an electronic soap dispenser.

Abstract: A system for obtaining incremental and absolute displacement measurements using systems of electrodes that interact to form variable capacitors and systems that facilitate implementation of the method along with exemplary embodiments of these systems. The capacitors created by the disclosed method have known physical properties and corresponding known mathematical relationships. These laws are exploited in such a way by our method as to overcome inadequacies in existing systems and create superior systems. These superior systems improve upon the existing art by including economically and reliably made sensors based on the area varying principle which eliminate dead zone issues and increase accuracy through a reduction of the influence of gap variations on capacitive systems through the use of compensatory geometrical arrangements of multiple capacitive systems.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.

Abstract: An amplifier system has an amplifier for amplifying a plurality of input signals from a plurality of different channels, and a plurality of demodulators each operatively coupled with the amplifier for receiving amplified input signals from the amplifier. Each demodulator is configured to demodulate a single amplified input channel signal from a single channel of the plurality of different channels. The system thus also has a plurality of filters, coupled with each of the demodulators, for mitigating the noise.