With A Capacitive Sensing Means Patents (Class 324/686)
  • Patent number: 10044353
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate configured to extend substantially out to at least two edges of a surface of a device. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor disposed on the substrate, the touch sensor comprising an active area that is configured to extend substantially out to at least two of the edges of the surface of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Esat Yilmaz, Jalil Shaikh
  • Patent number: 10034300
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprising an interface configured to communicate with at least one wireless transceiver, and a controller coupled to the interface. The controller is configured to determine a predefined characteristic such as current load and/or interference for a wireless channel associated with the at least one wireless transceiver. The controller is operable to suppress sending a probe response in response to the at least one wireless transceiver receiving a probe request, wherein how often probe responses are suppressed is based on the predefined characteristic for the wireless channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Hari Rangarajan, Tak Ming Pang, Sandeep Shetty
  • Patent number: 9983741
    Abstract: Electrode portions located on both ends are set to detection electrode portions, ground electrode portions are set on the inside thereof, and a plurality of central electrode portions are set to driving detection portions. A coordinate position of a finger can be obtained based on an output difference between the detection electrode portions, and a vertical distance can be obtained based on an output sum. When the vertical distance of the finger is shorter than a first threshold, switching is performed so that an interval between the detection electrode portions is shortened, and when the finger approaches, a touch detection mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Wakuda
  • Patent number: 9977548
    Abstract: A touch panel and a touch electrode structure thereof are provided. The touch electrode structure defines position units and includes electrodes electrically insulated from each other. Each of the electrodes covers more than one of the position units and comprises a plurality of sub-electrodes electrically insulated from each other. Each of the sub-electrodes includes sub-electrode units. Each of the position units is corresponding to at least one of the sub-electrode units of at least one of the sub-electrode, and combinations of the sub-electrode units of the different sub-electrodes in the respective position units are different. In the touch electrode structure, each electrode can be electrically independent without needing to dispose a jumper and an insulating layer, thus simplifying process steps and improving a yield rate at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Yanjun Xie, Yau-Chen Jiang, Bin Lai
  • Patent number: 9939966
    Abstract: A processing system for an input device includes a sensor module coupled to sensor electrodes. The sensor module includes sensor circuitry and configured to acquire first capacitive measurements when the input device is in a first state, and acquire second capacitive measurements when the input device is in a second state. The second state has an increased ground as compared to the first state. The processing system further includes a determination module configured to determine positional information for an input object based on the first capacitive measurements and the second capacitive measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventor: Mihai Bulea
  • Patent number: 9898136
    Abstract: A capacitance distribution detection circuit includes a multiplexer, a driver, and a sense amplifier, and the multiplexer switches states between a first connection state in which first signal lines are connected to the driver and second signal lines are connected to the sense amplifier, and a second connection state in which the first signal lines are connected to the sense amplifier and the second signal lines are connected to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masayuki Miyamoto, Kunihiko Iizuka
  • Patent number: 9831704
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power feeding device including: power transmitting section which transmits electric power by way of a magnetic field; a set of first and second electrodes which are spaced from each other; a power supply which applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes; and a detector which detects whether foreign matter is present on the power transmitting section or not based on the voltage applied by the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Uramoto, Masayuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9823798
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor system includes a capacitive sensor device having a sense electrode that includes a first capacitor, a first supply voltage in , a first switch operable to couple the sense electrode to the first supply voltage during a first mode and an analog to digital converter during a second mode, a second switch operable to couple a second capacitor to a second supply voltage during the first mode and to an open circuit during the second mode, and a resistive element that includes a first terminal coupled between the first capacitor and the first switch, and a second terminal coupled between the second capacitor and the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Petr Cholasta
  • Patent number: 9791340
    Abstract: During a first cycle of operation, first and second bottom electrodes of a split bottom electrode are electrically connected together. A total capacitance between the split bottom electrode and a top electrode layer is measured to determine the ambient pressure. Accordingly, pressure, e.g., tire pressure, is measured during the first cycle of operation. In a second cycle of operation, the first and second bottom electrodes are electrically disconnected. A first capacitance between the first bottom electrode and top electrode layer and a second capacitance between second bottom electrode and top electrode layer are measured. The difference between the first capacitance and the second capacitance is calculated and compared to a fault indicating capacitance variation to determine if the pressure sensor device is operating normally or malfunctioning. Accordingly, a self-test of the pressure sensor device is performed during the second cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dubravka Bilic, Chad S Dawson
  • Patent number: 9785296
    Abstract: An input device includes an input surface and a first substrate mechanically coupled to the input surface. The first substrate includes a first plurality of sensor electrodes configured to detect an input force applied by an input object to the input surface. The input device further includes a conductive material disposed between the input surface and the first plurality of sensor electrodes. The conductive material shields the first plurality of sensor electrodes from effects of the input object in a sensing region of the input device. The input device further includes a second substrate mechanically coupled to the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second plurality of sensor electrodes configured to detect a location of an input object at the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei-Lung Lee, Pei-Che Chiu
  • Patent number: 9773148
    Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel provided with a plurality of display electrodes, where the display electrodes are configured for displaying images, display electrodes located within a predetermined region of the display panel are defined as first electrodes, the first electrodes are configured for fingerprint sensing, and a stage during which the first electrodes perform the fingerprint sensing is defined as a fingerprint sensing stage; and a driving circuit configured to, provide display signals to the display electrodes to display the images, and provide a fingerprint sensing signal to the first electrodes during the fingerprint sensing stage and perform a self-capacitance detection on the first electrodes, to implement the fingerprint sensing. A driving circuit, a method for driving the display device, a liquid crystal display device and an electronic apparatus including the display device are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FOCALTECH ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Lianghua Mo, Junqiao Liu, Haijun Hu, Jie Liu
  • Patent number: 9753598
    Abstract: A sensing device includes a substrate, a sensing component and a shielding device. The sensing component is configured to detect a touch capacitance in response to a touch event on the sensing device. The shielding device, between the substrate and the sensing component, is configured to distribute electrical energy, and shield the substrate from the sensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: IMAGE MATCH DESIGN INC.
    Inventors: Yen-Kuo Lo, Chia-Hua Yeh
  • Patent number: 9752924
    Abstract: A capacitance type transducer includes a plurality of cells each having a structure in which a vibrating film is supposed so as to be vibrated. The vibrating film includes: a second electrode formed so that a gap is interposed between the second electrode and a first electrode; and an insulating film formed on the second electrode. The capacitance transducer manufacturing method includes: forming a sacrificial layer on the first electrode; forming a layer including a vibrating film on the sacrificial layer; forming an etching hole to remove the sacrificial layer; and forming a sealing film for sealing the etching hole. Before forming the etching hole to remove the sacrificial layer, a through hole is formed in an insulating film on the second electrode, and a conductor film is formed on the insulating film having the through hole to electrically connect a conductor in the through hole and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Akiyama, Kazutoshi Torashima
  • Patent number: 9703425
    Abstract: Provided is a touch detecting device that detects occurrence of a level shift phenomenon of a voltage variation to thus acquire a touch signal, when a touch capacitance due to a touch input is added to a common electrode capacitance formed between a common electrode and a sensor pattern. Accordingly, the touch signal may be stably obtained in spite of external noise, and an influence due to a parasitic capacitance may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: G2TOUCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 9658120
    Abstract: A capacitance-type sensor sheet used for measuring an amount of stretch deformation and strain and/or distribution of stretch deformation and strain may include a dielectric layer made of an elastomer, an obverse-side electrode layer laminated on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer, and a reverse-side electrode layer laminated on the reverse surface of the dielectric layer. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may each contain carbon nanotubes and the average thickness of the each of obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may be 0.1 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may be formed by applying a coating solution containing carbon nanotubes. The obverse-side electrode layer and the reverse-side electrode layer may each include a plurality of band-shaped bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Otaka, Hideyuki Kato, Hideki Norisada, Takayuki Nagase
  • Patent number: 9608629
    Abstract: In the present invention, a capacitance-type switch is provided with an operation plate and an electrode plate. The operation plate forms operation surfaces operated by the touch of a fingertip F (operation body) of a user. The electrode plate is disposed on the side of the operation plate opposite the operation surfaces. Furthermore, the capacitance-type switch is turned on and off in response to the change in capacitance caused between the fingertip F and the electrode plate. In addition, a high-permittivity material is disposed in an outer circumferential section of the electrode plate, the high-permittivity material having a higher permittivity than the operation plate. It is possible to improve the sensitivity of the capacitance-type switch while minimizing malfunctioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsushi Katoh, Yoshihide Sahashi
  • Patent number: 9582078
    Abstract: Techniques are described to furnish a touchless joystick-type controller in a portable electronic device. The techniques may be implemented within an electronic device that comprises one or more sensors configured to detect a target at a distance from the sensor and provide a signal in response thereto. The signal is received in response to the sensor detecting a target within a field of view of the sensor. A position of the target relative to a point of reference is then determined based on the signal. Movement of the target may be tracked based on changes in the determined position relative to the point of reference. In embodiments, the target comprises a thumb or a finger of a hand of a user of the electronic device and the determined position to furnish a joystick-type control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya K. Veygman, Richard I. Olsen, Daniel S. Christman, Vishnudev Ramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 9551737
    Abstract: A data collector associated with a grain bin is in communication with a plurality of capacitive moisture cables hanging within the grain bin. Each capacitive moisture cable includes a plurality of sensor nodes positioned along the moisture cable. Each sensor node includes a sensor node microprocessor and a sensor node memory coupled to a temperature sensor, a reference capacitive sensor and a capacitive moisture sensor. A main controller is in communication with the data collector. The main controller memory is configured in a data structure comprising grain type data, temperature data, raw reference capacitance data, raw moisture capacitance data, node identification data, physical node positional data, and a calculated moisture content for each sensor node. A method of determining moisture contents of grain in a grain bin related to such a system is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent J. Bloemendaal, Raymond George Benson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9552089
    Abstract: An electrode matrix that is used for capacitive sensing may be integrated into a display panel of an input device. In one embodiment, source drivers may be mounted on the display panel which drive the display signals and capacitive sensing signals into the display panel. In one embodiment, the capacitive sensing signals may be routed on traces or lines that are interleaved on the same layer as the source lines used for setting a voltage on the pixels in the display panel during display updating. Using the interleaved traces, the source drivers may drive the capacitive sensing signals in parallel to a plurality of the electrodes in the matrix in a predefined pattern that spans one or more sensing cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lukanc, Stephen L. Morein, Christopher A. Ludden, Greg P. Semeraro, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Petr Shepelev, Thomas Mackin
  • Patent number: 9547031
    Abstract: Embodiments of a capacitive sensor array may comprise a plurality of large sensor electrodes and, for each of the large sensor electrodes, a first plurality of small sensor electrodes each capacitively coupled with the large sensor electrode, and each conductively coupled by one of a first set of routing traces to one of a first set of conductors located in a first edge region, and a second plurality of small sensor electrodes capacitively coupled with the large sensor electrode and conductively coupled by a second set of routing traces to a second set of conductors in a second edge region. The first set of routing traces is located in a first routing channel and the second set of routing traces is located in a second routing channel, where the first and second routing channels are located along different sides of the large sensor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Xiaoping Weng, Yingzhu Deng, Benjamin Avery
  • Patent number: 9471166
    Abstract: A touch panel includes plural scanning electrodes, plural detection electrodes that are formed to intersect with the plural scanning electrodes, one or a plurality of layers being disposed between the plural detection electrodes and the plural scanning electrodes, plural holes that are arrayed apart from each other on each of the plural detection electrodes, and shaped into polygons each shaped to have five or more corners in a plan view, and plural dummy electrodes that are formed between the respective adjacent detection electrodes, made of the same material as that of the detection electrode, and electrically isolated from each other, in which the plural dummy electrodes are shaped into the polygons in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventor: Shinji Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9454276
    Abstract: An apparatus with both touch sensing and electrical field sensing functions and an interactive apparatus using the same are provided. The apparatus with both touch sensing and electrical field sensing functions comprises a control circuit, a first capacitive sensing electrode and a second capacitive sensing electrode. The first capacitive sensing electrode is coupled to a first sensing control terminal of the control circuit. The second capacitive sensing electrode is coupled to a second sensing control terminal of the control circuit. In a first period, the first capacitive sensing electrode is charged to a first voltage through the first sensing control terminal, and the second sensing control terminal supplies an electrical field pulse to the second capacitive sensing electrode such that the second capacitive sensing electrode outputs an electrical field pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GENERALPLUS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Li Sheng Lo, Tung-Tsai Liao
  • Patent number: 9439302
    Abstract: A transparent conductive film, includes: a transparent substrate, wherein a transparent substrate includes a body and a flexible board, a width of flexible board is less than that of the body, and the body includes a sensing area and a border area located at an edge of the sensing area; a conduction line, disposed on a transparent flexible substrate; a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, disposed on two sides of the sensing area opposite to each other; a first electrode trace and a second electrode trace, disposed on the border area, and the first conductive layer and the conduction line are electrically connected through a first electrode trace; the second conductive layer and the conduction line are electrically connected through a second electrode trace. The production efficiency of the above transparent conductive film is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: NANCHANG O-FILM TECH CO., LTD., SUZHOU O-FILM TECH CO., LTD., SHENZHEN O-FILM TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yunhua Zhao, Yulong Gao, Yunliang Yang, Ying Gu
  • Patent number: 9372104
    Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 9350344
    Abstract: A test pattern membrane test method uses a test pattern membrane to test the capacitive sensors of a device. The device is placed in the test fixture. The capacitive sensors are read without the test pattern membrane, storing as a set of baseline measurements. The test pattern membrane is placed on the unit to be tested. The test pattern membrane has a plurality of conductive areas on a non-conductive substrate. The conductive areas are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the pattern of capacitive sensors. The sensors are read again to obtain a set of stimulated measurements. Differences for each of the sensors are determined between the sensor readings with and without the test pattern membrane in place. This difference is compared to a threshold. A sensor is considered to be functioning properly if the difference value is greater than the sensor's threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Pure Imagination, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Wallace, Philip T. Odom, Brian Richardson, Jim Eastman
  • Patent number: 9348473
    Abstract: A touch panel that includes a flat membrane-like piezoelectric film provided with a first principal surface and a second principal surface which are opposed to each other. The touch panel includes first and second capacitance detection sub-electrodes on the first principal surface and the second principal surface of the piezoelectric film. The first and second capacitance detection sub-electrodes detect a touched position. The touch panel includes first and second piezoelectric voltage detection sub-electrodes on the first principal surface and the second principal surface of the piezoelectric film. The first and second piezoelectric voltage detection sub-electrodes detect a piezoelectric voltage according to an amount pressed into the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masamichi Ando
  • Patent number: 9335370
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and computer program product for determining presence and relative magnitudes of on-chip AC coupling capacitors in a high-speed differential receiver device. A BIST method is employed to ultimately produce a dock count proportional to the fall time of a capacitor, and in the case of differential capacitors a difference in count values. Each capacitor path has a controllable first DAC current or voltage source. A second DAC current or voltage source, later in the data path and isolated from the capacitor node(s), is controlled to offset the voltage contribution of the charged and discharging capacitor. A count is recorded, starting when a capacitor charging current is shut off, and ends (the count) when the voltage of the charged capacitor falls below a threshold. A difference in count between the two data path capacitors is calculated and reported. A state machine operates the sequencing and control of the BIST.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Atwood, Matthew B. Baecher, John F. Bulzacchelli, Stanislav Polonsky
  • Patent number: 9329742
    Abstract: A capacitive touch panel provides a partially high-resolution by mixing multiple resolutions. The capacitive touch panel includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, an insulating layer, and a single one integrated circuit chip. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer respectively include multiple sensor electrodes disposed with uneven density, so that a part of the touch panel has higher resolution, and other part of the touch panel has lower resolution. The capacitive touch panel provides partially higher resolution by adjusting the distribution of the electrodes without increasing the number of pins of the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chien-Yu Yi, Kuo-Liang Shen, Ching-Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 9310911
    Abstract: A semiconductor layer for an active element included in each of a plurality of pixels in a display section is constituted by an oxide layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of In, Ga, and Zn. There is provided, for the display section, a liquid crystal panel's timing controller (13) configured to carry out control so that (i) a length of a first period during which image data is written is not more than twice that of the second period and/or (ii) one (1) frame period is longer than 16.7 msec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sugita, Kazutoshi Kida, Shinji Yamagishi, Yuhji Yashiro, Hiroyuki Ogawa, Shigeyasu Mori, Seiji Kaneko, Yasuyuki Ogawa, Kaoru Yamamoto, Kohhei Tanaka, Seiichi Uchida, Yutaka Takamaru
  • Patent number: 9285841
    Abstract: A display device including a deformable surface, including: plural actuators including mobile elements that can be moved to deform the deformable surface, the mobile elements being distributed in a space occupied by the deformable surface; a set of position sensors for sensing the position of at least one touch, and distributed in the space occupied by the deformable surface; and an elastic flexible membrane placed against the mobile elements, extending through the space occupied by the deformable surface and configured to accompany deformation of the deformable surface. The set of sensors is secured to the elastic flexible membrane and distributed in a regular manner in the space occupied by the deformable surface in an array of electricity conductors configured to accompany deformations of the elastic flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Christian Bolzmacher, Fabien Ferlay, Moustapha Hafez, Florian Periquet
  • Patent number: 9262021
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide improved sensor devices and methods that facilitate improved sensor devices. Specifically, the devices and methods provide capacitive image sensors that require only two layers of conductive elements formed on a single substrate. The ability to provide an image sensor using only a single substrate with two layers of conductive elements may substantially reduce the cost and complexity of the capacitive image sensor. In one embodiment, an input device is provided that comprises a first substrate having a first and second side. Each of the second array of second sensor electrodes comprises a plurality of isolated components disposed on the first side and a plurality of connectors disposed on the second side. The connectors and isolated components of the second sensor electrodes are arranged such that adjacent pairs of connectors along the first direction are separated by a distance substantially greater than the first pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Tai-Wei Yau, Yeh-Cheng Tan
  • Patent number: 9251867
    Abstract: Embodiments described include voltage generators having reduced or eliminated cross current. Dynamic adjustment of a low or high threshold voltage used in a voltage generator is described. Use of a folded cascade amplifier in a voltage generator is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Pan
  • Patent number: 9246485
    Abstract: A single ITO layer design for a touchscreen panel incorporates a matrix of sensor cells formed from a single ITO layer of capacitive sensor pads, sensor bars, force lines and sense lines. Columns of multiplexed force lines are connected to rows of sensor pads to form force trees such that the force line of the end pair of sensor pads has a wide track, with the force lines of each subsequent pair of sensor pads having a reduced track width. Disposed between the columns of force trees, the matrix of sensor cells also includes columns of sensor bars connected to control circuitry via sense lines. The control circuitry applies a signal to the force trees to generate capacitance between rows of sensor pads and adjacent sensor bars. The control circuitry senses changes in the capacitance and resolves the location of a user touch in the matrix of sensor cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Chee Yu Ng, Mythreyi Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 9228965
    Abstract: A cooking medium filter system determines a quality of a cooking medium. The cooking medium filter system includes a filter container, a filter medium, a pump, a sample chamber, and a controller. The filter container receives the cooking medium from a cooking vessel. The filter medium is disposed in the filter container and removes contaminants from the cooking medium. The pump conveys the cooking medium along a filter path from the filter container to the cooking vessel. The sample chamber is disposed in the filter path downstream from the filter medium. The sample chamber includes an electrode disposed therein. The sample chamber receives therein a quantity of the cooking medium that is sufficient to immerse the electrode therein. The controller controls operations of the filter pump and controls the electrode to measure a property of the cooking medium that is associated with the quality of the cooking medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Burkett, Edmond L. Phillipps, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9207801
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide devices, systems and methods that facilitate improved performance in an input device. The input device, for example, may include an input surface configured to rotate about a first axis, a proximity sensor configured to sense an input object in a sensing region proximate to the input surface of the input device, a force sensor configured to sense a force applied to the input surface of the input device, and a processing system communicatively coupled to the proximity sensor and the force sensor. The processing system may be configured to determine a position of the input object in the sensing region, and determine force information for the input object based upon the position of the input object, the force applied to the input surface, and a location of the force sensor relative to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard Schediwy, Kipling Inscore
  • Patent number: 9201106
    Abstract: A self-shielding capacitive sensor array may include a first plurality of sensor elements and a second plurality of sensor elements, where each of the second plurality of sensor elements intersects each of the first plurality of sensor elements, such that each of the first plurality of sensor elements may be capacitively coupled with each of the second plurality of sensor elements. The first plurality of sensor elements may be configured to shield each of the second plurality of sensor elements from a noise source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: PARADE TECHNOLOGIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Min Chin Chai, Fred Keiser, Igor Polishchuk
  • Patent number: 9134871
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes applying a first current to a capacitance of a touch sensor. The application of the first current to the capacitance for a first amount of time modifies the voltage at the capacitance from the reference voltage level to a first pre-determined voltage level. The method also includes applying a second current to an integration capacitor. The second current is proportional to the first current. The application of the second current to the integration capacitor for the first amount of time modifies the voltage at the integration capacitor from the reference voltage level to a first charging voltage level. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first charging voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Brunet, Luben Hristov Hristov, Trond Jarle Pedersen, Iqbal Sharif
  • Patent number: 9104276
    Abstract: A touch screen panel includes odd-numbered row transparent sensing cells formed of a transparent electrode on odd-numbered rows in a touch screen active area. Even-numbered row transparent sensing cells are formed of a transparent electrode on even-numbered rows in the same layer as the odd-numbered row transparent sensing cells. Odd-numbered row metal lines and even-numbered row main lines are formed of a metal in a position detecting line area positioned at a periphery of the touch screen active area, and which are respectively connected to the odd-numbered row transparent sensing cells and the even-numbered row transparent sensing cells. Bridges formed of a transparent electrode connect the even-numbered row main lines and the even-numbered row transparent sensing cells to each other with odd-numbered row main lines interposed therebetween, wherein the odd-numbered row main lines among the odd-numbered row metal lines are formed in parallel with the even-numbered row main lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Se-Il Cho, Jae-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9091714
    Abstract: A capacitance measurement circuit includes an operation amplifier; a reference capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a first input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal selectively coupled to a first or second reference voltage; a sensor capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a second input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal selectively coupled to the first or second reference voltage; an approximation unit having an output terminal and an input terminal coupled to an output terminal of the operation amplifier; a conversion unit having an output terminal and an input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the approximation unit; and a coupling capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first or second input terminal of the operation amplifier and a second terminal coupled to the output terminal of the conversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Shih-Tzung Chou, Yong-Nien Rao, Yu Kuang
  • Patent number: 9082559
    Abstract: A capacitive switch is comprises a sensor area and with a reference surface in which the sensor surface and the reference surface are configured to produce an electric field (E) between them. The sensor surface and the reference surface are arranged substantially in a common plane such that an electrical field (E) is formed between them with an arched line of force. A coupling surface is configured to move in a plurality of directions in space with respect to the sensor surface and reference surface. A lighting element is configured to illuminate the capacitive switch when activated. A tactile feedback device provides feedback as the capacitive switch is being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Flextronics International Kft.
    Inventors: Thaddaus Sierak, Heinz Hornung, Silvio Richter
  • Patent number: 9073085
    Abstract: An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of cells arranged on a substrate, each cell having a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite to the first electrode with a gap interposed between them. A plurality of elements, each including at least two cells with their first electrodes or second electrodes electrically connected to each other, are arranged in the transducer. Vibration film structures that includes respective vibration films disposed above the substrate with a gap between them are arranged in the intervals which are devoid of elements separating the plurality of elements. With this structure, the non-uniformity of the radiation impedances of the plurality of elements due to the intervals separating the regions where the elements are respectively arranged can be reduced and hence the influence of the intervals separating the elements on the transmission/reception characteristics can also be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Kandori, Takahiro Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20150145537
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a differential shield capacitive sensor design. The sensor design uses a differential measurement to measure capacitance and a pair of traces are used to differentially reject the response of the sensor traces and balance any parasitic capacitances. In some embodiments, the sensor design includes a differential sensor design on a bottom side of a flex circuit to differentially balance the environment and reject noise coupling to the sensor. The top side of the flex circuit can include a single ended design for proper environment sensing. The spatial arrangement and size of the sensors may vary depending on the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Adrian Anthony Flanagan
  • Patent number: 9041869
    Abstract: A sensor substrate includes a blocking pattern disposed on a base substrate, a first electrode disposed on the base substrate and overlapping the blocking pattern, the first electrode including a plurality of first unit parts arranged in a first direction, each of the first unit parts including a plurality of lines connected to each other in a mesh-type arrangement, a color filter layer disposed on the base substrate, a plurality of contact holes defined in the color filter layer and exposing the first unit parts, and a bridge line between and connected to first unit parts adjacent to each other in the first direction, through the contact holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Duk-Sung Kim, Dong-Yoon Kim, Ju-Yong Park, Jae-Jin Pyun
  • Patent number: 9041418
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Synaptics Incorporated
    Inventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Richard R. Schediwy
  • Publication number: 20150137834
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement (10) comprises an amplifier (11) having a signal input (12) to receive an input signal (SIN) and a signal output (13) to provide an amplified sensor signal (SOUT) that is an inverted signal with respect to the input signal (SIN). Furthermore, the sensor arrangement (10) comprises a feedback path connecting the signal output (13) to the signal input (12), wherein the feedback path comprises a series connection of a capacitive sensor (14) and a feedback capacitor (15). A voltage source arrangement (19) of the sensor arrangement (10) is connected to a feedback node (18) between the capacitive sensor (14) and the feedback capacitor (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Matthias STEINER
  • Publication number: 20150137835
    Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: RYAN EDWARD CHACON, WILLIAM ROBERT ROHR, AVINASH MADADI, GREGORY MARK LAWSON
  • Publication number: 20150137833
    Abstract: A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: RYAN EDWARD CHACON, WILLIAM ROBERT ROHR, AVINASH MADADI, GREGORY MARK LAWSON
  • Patent number: 9035662
    Abstract: A device and a method for the capacitive detection of an object which is preferably arranged behind a flat article that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation or a wall, including a sensor incorporating sensor electrodes for the detection of the object, preferably for the detection of relative movements between the sensor and the flat article or a finger, where a control circuit serves for the control of the sensor electrodes and for the evaluation of the output signals of the sensor, and, due to the fact that the sensor comprises at least one sensor electrode which is surrounded by at least one further electrode, the surrounding further electrode is connected to the sensor electrode by the control circuit in such a manner that, in the event of a change of the potential of the sensor electrode, the potential of the surrounding further electrode is regulated in the opposite sense to the sensor electrode in such a way that the sensor electrode remains at a pre-determined or pre-definable potential, such th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Gerd Reime
  • Patent number: 9035664
    Abstract: A measuring method and a device that permit a better evaluation of bearing currents are disclosed. The method uses non-contact measurement of a bearing voltage. A non-contact voltage measurement is performed by means of a series circuit of capacitors. The bearing voltage can be detected especially well in this manner even in the high frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jörg Hassel, Gerd Michaelis, Carsten Probol
  • Patent number: 9024645
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes made of conductive material, a plurality of sense electrodes made of conductive material, and a plurality of edges. Each of the drive electrodes and each of the sense electrodes are coupled to at least one track. The tracks are located along only one of the plurality of edges of the touch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Esat Yilmaz