Responsive To Proximity Or Touch Patents (Class 327/517)
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Patent number: 9704011Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an array substrate, a driving method thereof, and a display apparatus. A fingerprint recognition module can be arranged within a display region, so as to achieve a purpose of simplifying operations and manufacturing processes. The present disclosure provides an array substrate, the array substrate comprises a base on which gate lines and data lines as well as pixel units defined by the gate lines and the data lines are formed, and the plurality of fingerprint recognition circuits for performing fingerprint recognition are further formed on the base, the fingerprint recognition circuits are arranged within the pixel unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Beijing BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shengji Yang, Xue Dong, Haisheng Wang, Yingming Liu, Hongjuan Liu
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Patent number: 9671475Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, device and system for controlling an imaging system, a specific absorption rate is calculated with a computation unit and an RF transmission signal of the imaging system is controlled with a control device. The process of controlling of the RF transmission signal includes disconnecting the RF transmission signal when a remaining period during which the RF transmission signal is harmless for the patient has been reduced to zero.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Holger Adolf, Thomas Benner, Hans-Peter Fautz, Joerg Ulrich Fontius, Rene Gumbrecht
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Patent number: 9665214Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide devices and methods that facilitate improved sensor devices. In one embodiment, a capacitive input device is provided that includes a processing system, a plurality of sensing electrodes configured to sense objects in a sensing region, a conductor, and a shield layer comprising at least one shield electrode, where the at least one shield electrode is disposed between the plurality of sensing electrodes and the conductor. The processing system is configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode the processing system is configured to determine position information for objects in the sensing region using the plurality of sensing electrodes. When operating in a second mode the processing system is configured to electrically float the at least one shield electrode and to determine force information for objects in the sensing region using the plurality of sensing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Tom R. Vandermeijden, Jeffrey A. Small
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Patent number: 9660645Abstract: Disclosed is a door handle module for a vehicle. The module includes a pulse transformer configured to transform a first discharge pulse ({circle around (7)}) of a first voltage level (V1), which is discharged from a touch sensor, to a second discharge pulse {circle around (8)} with a rising section which increases the first discharge pulse ({circle around (7)}) to a second voltage level (V2) which is higher than the first voltage level; an effective pulse generator configured to generate an effective pulse ({circle around (10)}) using a voltage detected in the rising section of the second discharge pulse ({circle around (8)}); and a charge amplifier configured to amplify the effective pulse ({circle around (10)}) to an analog voltage in an analog form and output the amplified analog voltage as a signal for controlling locking and unlocking of a vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong Chul Lim
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Patent number: 9651355Abstract: In certain embodiments, a proximity sensor includes a sensing element, an oscillator connected to the sensing element, and control circuitry connected to the oscillator. The sensing element has a capacitance to ground that is variable as a function of the proximity of an object to the sensing element. The oscillator includes a capacitor. The control circuitry is configured to supply an excitation to the oscillator and a charge to the sensing element, and to measure the resonant frequency of the oscillator. The control circuitry provides a signal indicative of the proximity of the object to the sensing element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventor: Daniel Arthur Ujvari
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Patent number: 9645667Abstract: A touch switch module according to one embodiment comprises a panel, a touch sensor and a control unit. The control unit includes a touch time detecting unit, a comparing unit, an output unit and an output forbidding unit. The touch time detecting unit detects touch time for which a touch is performed. The comparing unit compares the touch time with a predetermined threshold. The output unit outputs an operation signal when the touch time is the threshold or more. The output forbidding unit forbids output of the operation signal when the touch time is less than the threshold. The touch includes successive touches performed in succession in a short time period, and a single touch performed at one time. The threshold includes a successive touch threshold and a single touch threshold. The successive touch threshold and the single touch threshold are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriyuki Sakayanagi, Makoto Arimoto, Koichi Masamura
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Patent number: 9575721Abstract: A method of controlling a head mounted display (HMD) according to one embodiment of the present specification includes performing a first operation, receiving a first voice input through an audio input unit, processing the first voice input with respect to the first operation while a first contact is detected through a first sensor positioned at a nose pad of the HMD, detecting the first contact being released through the first sensor positioned at a nose pad of the HMD, receiving a second voice input through the audio input unit while the first contact is released, and performing a second operation according to the received second voice input.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Doyoung Lee, Jongho Kim, Jihwan Kim, Sinae Chun, Yongsin Kim
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Patent number: 9570010Abstract: The present invention can solve the problem that an existing organic light-emitting diode pixel circuit has a single function or a complicated structure. An organic light-emitting diode pixel circuit of the present invention includes: a touch fingerprint detection module configured to detect whether a touch occurs or not and whether the touch is caused by a convex portion of a fingerprint or a concave portion of the fingerprint, and send a result of the detection to a read line, under the control of a first scanning signal and a second scanning signal; and a compensation display module including an organic light-emitting diode and at least one driving transistor, and configured to eliminate a shift of a threshold voltage of the driving transistor and drive the organic light-emitting diode to display under the control of at least the first scanning signal, the second scanning signal, and a data signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Shengji Yang
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Patent number: 9513747Abstract: The present invention provides a transparent conductive film in which the difference in visibility between the pattern portion and the pattern opening portion is kept small even when a transparent conductive layer is patterned. The transparent conductive film has a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer, and a transparent conductive layer in this order on a transparent film substrate, a thickness d21 of the first dielectric layer is larger than a thickness d22 of the second dielectric layer, the thickness d21 of the first dielectric layer is 8 to 40 nm and the thickness d22 of the second dielectric layer is 5 to 25 nm, and a difference between the thickness d21 of the first dielectric layer and the thickness d22 of the second dielectric layer, d21-d22, is 3 to 30 nm.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhiro Nakajima, Tomotake Nashiki, Hideo Sugawara
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Patent number: 9417739Abstract: A touch-sensitive device includes a touch panel, a drive unit, a sense unit, and a measurement unit. A touch applied to a node of the panel changes a capacitive coupling between two electrodes (a drive electrode and a sense electrode) of the touch panel. The drive unit delivers a drive signal, which may comprise one or more drive pulses, to the drive electrode. The sense unit couples to the sense electrode, and generates a response signal that includes a differentiated representation of the drive signal. The amplitude of the response signal is responsive to the capacitive coupling between the electrodes, and is measured to provide an indication of a touch at the node.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Craig A. Cordeiro, Thomas J. Rebeschi
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Patent number: 9305876Abstract: A device includes a carrier, a first semiconductor chip arranged over the carrier and a first electrically conductive element arranged over the carrier. The device further includes a first wire electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive element and a second wire electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive element and to the first semiconductor chip. The first electrically conductive element is configured to forward an electrical signal between the first wire and the second wire.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventors: Khalil Hosseini, Joachim Mahler
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Patent number: 9191055Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the head, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments increase and maintain operational distance between the user and the broadcast device to reduce signal absorption. Enabled mobile devices increase and maintain the operational distance by detecting when the distance is breached by a variety of methods and then alerting the user. Sound and electromagnetic waves may be used to determine the proximity of the mobile device to the user, in addition image processing typically resident on some mobile devices may also be used to determine proximity to the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Green Swan, Inc.Inventor: Harry V. Lehmann
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Patent number: 9065448Abstract: There is provided a capacitive switch including a drive circuit, a detection circuit, a reference circuit and an identification unit. The drive circuit inputs identical drive signals to the detection circuit and the reference circuit. The detection circuit detects a touch according to a capacitance variation. The detection circuit outputs a first signal when the touch is not detected and outputs a second signal when the touch is detected. The reference circuit is a replica of the detection circuit and configured to output the first signal. The identification unit identifies a phase shift between the second signal of the detection circuit and the first signal of the reference circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Pixart Imaging Inc.Inventor: Hong-Sing Kao
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Publication number: 20150097614Abstract: A switch device for producing one or more electrical signals in response to mechanical force includes a body-part (101) and one or more electric transducers (102-105) connected to the body-part and arranged to produce the one or more electrical signals in response to mechanical force directed to the body-part. The body-part includes a cavity (106), and a wall constituting the bottom of the cavity is capable of being bent by mechanical force directed to the wall from the opposite side with respect to the cavity. The one or more electric transducers are located in the cavity and arranged to produce the one or more electrical signals when the bottom of the cavity is bent. The switch device can be built, for example, into a working plane of an electrical instrument so that a plate constituting the working plane constitutes also the body-part of the switch device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: WALLAC OYInventors: Mika Olavi Routamaa, Timo Salminen, Jussi Petteri Lehtonen
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Patent number: 8994685Abstract: An input sensing device for sensing an input on a touch panel, and touch panel are provided. The input sensing device has a capacitance node and includes a charge pump to which an output signal from a first electrode of the capacitance node is input as a charge source in response to a sensing signal applied through a second electrode of the capacitance node. The input sensing device determines whether there is an input on the touch panel, based on an output voltage of the charge pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seong-Taek Lim
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Publication number: 20150084687Abstract: A touch switch module according to one embodiment comprises a panel, a touch sensor and a control unit. The panel displays a slide bar including a step-up portion, a step-down portion, a non-responsive portion and a slide responsive portion. The control unit includes an up signal output unit which, when a short touch which is the touch for a short time is performed on the step-up portion, outputs an up signal for raising an operating condition of the electrical equipment by one level per short touch, a down signal output unit which, when the short touch is performed on the step-down portion, outputs a down signal for lowering the operating condition of the electrical equipment by one level per short touch, and an output forbidding unit which, when the touch is performed on the non-responsive portion, forbids the output of the operation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriyuki SAKAYANAGI, Koichi MASAMURA
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Publication number: 20150070079Abstract: A capacitive fingerprint sensor that may be formed of an array of sensing elements. Each capacitive sensing element of the array may register a voltage that varies with the capacitance of a capacitive coupling. A finger may capacitively couple to the individual capacitive sensing elements of the sensor, such that the sensor may sense a capacitance between each capacitive sensing element and the flesh of the fingerprint. The capacitance signal may be detected by sensing the change in voltage on the capacitive sensing element as the relative voltage between the finger and the sensing chip is changed. Alternately, the capacitance signal may be detected by sensing the change in charge received by the capacitive sensing elements as the relative voltage between the finger and the sensing chip is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Zhiping Yang, Hanfeng Wang
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Patent number: 8975900Abstract: A system for sensing human activity by monitoring impedance includes a signal generator for generating an alternating current (AC) signal, the AC signal applied to an object, a reactance altering element coupled to the AC signal, an envelope generator for converting a returned AC signal to a time-varying direct current (DC) signal, and an analog-to-digital converter for determining a defined impedance parameter of the time-varying DC signal, where the defined impedance parameter defines an electromagnetic resonant attribute of the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Ivan Poupyrev, Zhiquan Yeo, Jonas Loh
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Patent number: 8970288Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a user for the unlocking of an access point to a motor vehicle, includes a first generator of a first supply voltage, a detection capacitor adapted to be charged on account of the presence of a user, and a storage capacitor defining at the terminals thereof a storage voltage. The device also includes an intermediate capacitor, elements for charging the detection capacitor from the first supply voltage and the storage voltage, elements for discharging the detection capacitor into the intermediate capacitor, elements for charging the storage capacitor, the elements being configured so that the charge of the storage capacitor is equal to the charge of the intermediate capacitor, and elements for detecting the presence of a user for the unlocking of an access point to the motor vehicle on the basis of the charge of the storage capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Xavier Hourne, Monirat Ung, Julien Galaup
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Patent number: 8941435Abstract: Techniques reduce erroneous judgment due to effects of noise accompanying PWM control. LEDs light operating portions and function as indicators. Circuitry adjusts brightness of the LEDs through PWM control. A detecting circuit outputs detected values in accordance with electrostatic capacitances of the electrode. A CPU senses a touch operation when a difference between a detected value of the detecting circuit and a reference value is more than a prescribed value. The CPU stores a detected value as a reference value which is the first value detected by the detecting circuit after the PWM control execution state of the LEDs has been changed or the first value that is detected by the detecting circuit, which is comprised by a touch switch that is in a specified positional relationship with respect to the touch switch which executing state of PWM control of the LEDs has changed, after transition of the executing state.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: U-Shin Ltd.Inventors: Izumi Dohi, Kazuyuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 8933569Abstract: A pressure contact arrangement includes a pressure contact device having an upper contact piece and a lower contact piece, one or more vertical first semiconductor chips and a peripherally closed adhesive bead. Each vertical first semiconductor chip has an upper side, a lower side opposite the upper side, a peripherally closed narrow side adjoining the upper side and the lower side and connecting the upper and lower sides, an upper electrical contact face arranged on the upper side, and a lower electrical contact face arranged on the lower side. The peripherally closed adhesive bead surrounds each vertical first semiconductor chip and fastens each vertical first semiconductor chip to the pressure contact device. A peripherally closed connecting face is provided between each adhesive bead and the narrow side of the corresponding vertical first semiconductor chip that laterally surrounds the vertical first semiconductor chip.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Thilo Stolze
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Publication number: 20150008975Abstract: A method for operating a terminal according to an embodiment includes detecting an object that contacts the terminal, determining an operation of the terminal corresponding to the detected object, and performing the determined operation of the terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Hyongpyo HONG, Misuk PARK, Youngkyung CHA, Gooryong KANG, Kunsik LEE, Hyungjin KIM
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Patent number: 8928359Abstract: A charge distributor comprises a charge generator configured to output a charge, a current conveyor, and a plurality of output stages. The current conveyor is configured to receive the charge from the charge generator as an input and to couple this charge to a plurality of output stages. A first output stage, of the plurality of output stages, comprises a plurality of current mirrors. The plurality of current mirrors is configured to mirror and scale the charge received from the current conveyor into a scaled mirrored charge. The first output stage is configured to provide the scaled mirrored charge as an output.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Marshall J Bell, Jeffrey Small
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Publication number: 20150002212Abstract: Techniques reduce erroneous judgment due to effects of noise accompanying PWM control. LEDs light operating portions and function as indicators. Circuitry adjusts brightness of the LEDs through PWM control. A detecting circuit outputs detected values in accordance with electrostatic capacitances of the electrode. A CPU senses a touch operation when a difference between a detected value of the detecting circuit and a reference value is more than a prescribed value. The CPU stores a detected value as a reference value which is the first value detected by the detecting circuit after the PWM control execution state of the LEDs has been changed or the first value that is detected by the detecting circuit, which is comprised by a touch switch that is in a specified positional relationship with respect to the touch switch which executing state of PWM control of the LEDs has changed, after transition of the executing state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Izumi Dohi, Kazuyuki Fukushima
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Publication number: 20140368260Abstract: A terminal apparatus includes a touch panel, a controller to detect a contact position of a first contact on the touch panel, a pressure applied by the first contact, a contact position of a second contact on the touch panel and a pressure applied by the second contact, and a processor executing a process that causes the terminal apparatus to determine whether or not the contact position of the first contact meets a predetermined condition, determine a magnitude relationship between the pressure applied by the first contact and the pressure applied by the second contact, and invalidate the contact position of the first contact when the contact position of the first contact meets the predetermined condition and it is determined that the pressure applied by the first contact is equal to or higher than the pressure applied by the second contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Tosaku TANADA
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Publication number: 20140361826Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a user for the unlocking of an access point to a motor vehicle, includes a first generator of a first supply voltage, a detection capacitor adapted to be charged on account of the presence of a user, and a storage capacitor defining at the terminals thereof a storage voltage. The device also includes an intermediate capacitor, elements for charging the detection capacitor from the first supply voltage and the storage voltage, elements for discharging the detection capacitor into the intermediate capacitor, elements for charging the storage capacitor, the elements being configured so that the charge of the storage capacitor is equal to the charge of the intermediate capacitor, and elements for detecting the presence of a user for the unlocking of an access point to the motor vehicle on the basis of the charge of the storage capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicants: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Xavier HOURNE, Monirat UNG, Julien GALAUP
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Publication number: 20140333369Abstract: A key module and a signal generating method of the key module are provided. The key module is suitable for an electronic device, the electronic device has a processing system, and the key module includes a detecting module and a controller. The detecting module includes a main electrode conductor and an assisting electrode conductor, where the assisting electrode conductor is disposed around the main electrode conductor. The controller is coupled to the main electrode conductor and the assisting electrode conductor. When the controller determines that a touch is detected by the main electrode conductor, but not detected by the assisting electrode conductor, the controller transmits a key signal to the processing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: ITE Tech. Inc.Inventor: Chih-Hsuan Lo
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Publication number: 20140333368Abstract: A charge distributor comprises a charge generator configured to output a charge, a current conveyor, and a plurality of output stages. The current conveyor is configured to receive the charge from the charge generator as an input and to couple this charge to a plurality of output stages. A first output stage, of the plurality of output stages, comprises a plurality of current mirrors. The plurality of current mirrors is configured to mirror and scale the charge received from the current conveyor into a scaled mirrored charge. The first output stage is configured to provide the scaled mirrored charge as an output.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Marshall J. BELL, Jeffrey Small
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Publication number: 20140320200Abstract: A technique reduces erroneous judgment due to effects of noise accompanying PWM control while using PWM control for brightness adjustment of light-emitting diodes disposed proximate of an electrode. An electrode is disposed proximate of operating portions that are subject to touch operations by unit of a conductive body. An operating portion of a light-emitting diode is lightened. A CPU performs brightness adjustment of the light-emitting diode through PWM control. A detecting circuit outputs detected values in accordance with electrostatic capacitances of the electrode. The CPU judges that a touch operation has been made when a difference between a detected value of the detecting circuit and a reference value stored in a RAM is not less than a prescribed value. The CPU stores a detected value that is first detected by the detecting circuit after transition of an executing state of PWM control in the RAM as a reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: U-SHIN LTD.Inventors: Izumi Dohi, Kazuyuki Fukushima
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Publication number: 20140320199Abstract: A touch sensor comprising a plurality of first electrode lines along a first direction, each of the first electrode lines comprising a plurality of first electrodes; a plurality of second electrode lines along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, each of the second electrode lines comprising one second electrode, the one second electrode of each of the second electrode lines being interdigitated with one of the first electrodes of each of the first electrode lines, the first and second electrodes being disposed on a first side of a substrate; and a plurality of bond pads disposed on the first side of the substrate, wherein at least one bond pad of the plurality of bond pads is coupled to at least two of the first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Matthew Trend, Gareth Jones, Patrick Cassidy
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Publication number: 20140312962Abstract: There is provided a capacitive switch including a drive circuit, a detection circuit, a reference circuit and an identification unit. The drive circuit inputs identical drive signals to the detection circuit and the reference circuit. The detection circuit detects a touch according to a capacitance variation. The detection circuit outputs a first signal when the touch is not detected and outputs a second signal when the touch is detected. The reference circuit is a replica of the detection circuit and configured to output the first signal. The identification unit identifies a phase shift between the second signal of the detection circuit and the first signal of the reference circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: PIXART IMAGING INC.Inventor: HONG-SING KAO
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Patent number: 8866537Abstract: An input apparatus includes a touch plate, a film sensor, an electrode portion, and a wire portion. The touch plate has a front side touched by the finger in the finger manipulation. The film sensor is bonded to a rear side of the touch plate. The electrode portion and wire portion are provided on the film sensor and connected to each other. The touch plate is composed of a plurality of different members including at least a first member and a second member. The plurality of different members have respective dielectric constants and being layered and laminated, respectively, in a plate thickness direction of the touch plate. The plurality of different members have different dimension ratios in the plate thickness direction to provide different dielectric constants depending on the electrode portion and the wire portion and provide a uniform plate thickness over a whole of the touch plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shinsuke Hisatsugu
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Patent number: 8855855Abstract: S vehicle control apparatus that includes a touch panel configured to be touched by a user and a sound wave generator. The sound wave generator including a plurality of patterns formed in different shapes and heights on the touch panel, and is configured to generate sound waves having unique shapes when the user touches the patterns. A sound wave detection sensor is configured to detect the sound waves generated by the sound wave generator. A controller is configured to receive the sound waves detected by the sound wave detection sensor and output vehicle control signals corresponding to the respective sound waves.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hui Sung Lee, Kwang Myung Oh
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Patent number: 8854114Abstract: An antenna drive apparatus having a drive control unit and an antenna connected to the drive control unit via first and second connecting lines, and driven by an AC signal at a first resonant frequency, includes: a first driven member connected to the drive control unit via the connecting lines and driven by the AC signal at a second resonant frequency; a sensing member connected to the drive control unit via the connecting lines and driven by a DC signal, capable of sensing approach or contact of a person and, outputting a sensing signal indicating the fact that the approach or the contact has been sensed to the drive control unit via the first connecting line; and a stop mechanism configured to stop a function of the sensing member when the AC signal supplied to the antenna or the first driven member is sensed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takehiro Tabata, Masahiro Hagimoto
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Patent number: 8854059Abstract: A system for measuring a capacitor (CSENj) precharges a CDAC (23) in a SAR converter (17) to a reference voltage (VAZ) and also precharges a first terminal (3-j) of the capacitor to another reference voltage (GND). During a measurement phase, the CDAC is coupled between an output and an input of an amplifier (31) and the capacitor also is coupled to the input of the amplifier, so as to redistribute charge between the capacitor and the CDAC. The amplifier generates an output voltage (VAMP) representing the capacitance being measured. The output voltage is stored in the CDAC. The SAR converter converts the output voltage to a digital value representing the capacitance being measured.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Ronald F. Cormier, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140292396Abstract: A capacitive sensing-based electronic switch, which incorporates an integrated circuit with processing capability, which can only be activated by user action in a dedicated area, whereby switch activation occurs only if, at least, a touch is capacitively sensed and criteria based on timing plus sequential touches on capacitive sensors are satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Frederick Johannes BRUWER, Jacobus Daniël VAN WYK, Gerrit Johannes DE VILLIERS, Brandt AUCAMP
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Patent number: 8847670Abstract: An input apparatus includes a touch plate, a decoration layer, a film sensor, an electrode portion, a wire portion, and a guard layer. The touch plate is a basal plate for finger manipulation. The decoration layer is on a front side of the touch plate to decorate the front side. The film sensor is bonded to a rear side of the touch plate. The electrode portion is on the film sensor. The wire portion is on the film sensor and connected to the electrode portion to transmit a signal outputted from the electrode portion. The guard layer contains a guard layer formation material to suppress an electrostatic capacity between the finger and the wire portion. The guard layer formation material is combined into the decoration layer such that the decoration layer and the guard layer are provided as a single integrated member.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shinsuke Hisatsugu
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Publication number: 20140285252Abstract: A capacitive switch includes: a first conductive cantilever, a second conductive cantilever, a substrate, a coplanar waveguide arranged on the substrate, the coplanar waveguide includes a first conductor configured to transmit an electrical signal, a second conductor and a third conductor are arranged as ground wires on two sides of the first conductor; an insulation medium layer is arranged on the first conductor, a conducting layer is arranged on the insulation medium layer; the first conductive cantilever is connected to the second conductor by using a first fixed end, the second conductive cantilever is connected to the third conductor by using a second fixed end; when a direct-current signal is transmitted on the capacitive switch, a first free end of the first conductive cantilever and a second free end of the second conductive cantilever contact the conducting layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiong Yang, Bocheng Cao, Lei Wang
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Patent number: 8842093Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance type touch sensor is provided. The touch sensor includes a substrate and a grid pattern formed on a surface of the substrate by a plurality of first linear wires and a plurality of second linear wires, the first linear wires being arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval, and the second linear wires being arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined interval and intersecting with the first linear wires. A separation portion is provided to the first linear wires and the second linear wires to form a sensor portion and a dummy sensor portion which are located next to each other and electrically separated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Futaba CorporationInventors: Tsuyoshi Magami, Yoshiaki Washio, Yoshiteru Kawashima
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Patent number: 8841957Abstract: Appliances with control panels and methods for operating the same are provided. The control panel includes a plurality of touch sensors. When an adjustment mechanism approaches the control panel, a sensitivity setting of the plurality of touch sensors is adjusted in order to assist with calculating a time interval or a velocity of the adjustment mechanism. With the velocity of the adjustment mechanism calculated, usage of the control panel can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Timothy Andrew Gillespie
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Patent number: 8810301Abstract: A system and method are provided for level shifting signals generated by an electronic circuit with selectively controlled frequency response. A first circuit portion defines a primary path for a signal within an upper region of a predefined signal frequency range, and includes a first capacitor unit establishing a voltage level shift for a signal passing therethrough. A second circuit portion selectively defines a secondary path bypassing the primary path for a signal within a lower region of the predefined signal frequency range, and includes a switched capacitive section disposed in parallel across the first capacitor unit to establish a voltage level shift for the signal passing therethrough. A second capacitor unit charges substantially to a predetermined shift voltage in a charging phase and couples to the first capacitor unit during a transfer phase. An attenuation adjust unit adjustably augments a parasitic capacitance of the first or second circuit portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Pierce Evans, Michael Casas
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Publication number: 20140213323Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a touch screen display that is controlled based on information from a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits infrared light and a light detector that detects reflected infrared light. When the electronic device is in the vicinity of a user's head, the proximity sensor may produce data indicative of the presence of the user's head. Variations in proximity sensor output due to user hair color and smudges on the proximity sensor can be accommodated by using an electrical sensing mechanism in addition to the light sensing mechanism. The proximity sensor may include a pair of capacitive electrodes for generating an electric field in the vicinity of the device. The presence of a user's head can sufficiently disturb the electric field so as to produce data indicative of the presence of the user's head.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Prashanth S. S. Holenarsipur, Anant Rai, David Lukofsky
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Publication number: 20140203863Abstract: Appliances with control panels and methods for operating the same are provided. The control panel includes a plurality of touch sensors. When an adjustment mechanism approaches the control panel, a sensitivity setting of the plurality of touch sensors is adjusted in order to assist with calculating a time interval or a velocity of the adjustment mechanism. With the velocity of the adjustment mechanism calculated, usage of the control panel can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Timothy Andrew Gillespie
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Patent number: 8786356Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises generating, by a control unit, a first drive signal and a second drive signal. The method further comprises emitting, by a conductive wire coupled to a capacitive touch sensor, a first electric field that extends in a plurality of directions in response to reception of the first drive signal. The method further comprises shaping, by a conductive shield that surrounds the conductive wire, at least a portion of the first electric field that extends from the capacitive touch sensor towards the conductive shield by generating a second electric field in response to reception of the second drive signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventor: Andrew Siska
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Publication number: 20140197880Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.Inventor: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.
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Publication number: 20140191795Abstract: A method for controlling an input device is provided. The input device has a resistor matrix having M first traces, N second traces and M×N resistors. Each second trace is coupled to a reference resistor and M?1 variable resistors. M and N are integers greater than 1. A first voltage level of each second trace is measured when a first voltage is applied to a first end of the reference resistor and a second voltage is applied to first ends of the M?1 variable resistors via the M first traces. Variations of the first voltage level of each second trace are measured, such that it could be determined whether any touch point of the input device exists according to the variations of the first voltage level of each second trace.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2014Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: UNIVERSAL CEMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Chih-Hung Huang, Chih-Sheng Hou
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Publication number: 20140184313Abstract: A programmable controller used in a touch sensing device comprises a plurality of general pins, a control circuit, and a plurality of switching units. The control circuit records corresponding relationship between a plurality of general pins and a plurality of sensing lines and driving lines of the touch panel. The switching units are correspondingly connected with the general pins, and separately receive a switching signal produced by the control circuit, wherein the control circuit produces the switching signal based on the corresponding relationship, and wherein each of the switching units selectively connects the correspondingly connected general pin to a sensing circuit or a driving circuit based on the received switching signal. The programmable controller can be for designers to set the corresponding relationship between the general pins and the driving lines and the sensing lines, such that the programmable controller is applicable to different standards of the touch panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventors: Kai-Chu Chuang, Ta-Kang Chou
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Publication number: 20140159802Abstract: A non-contact type switch control device and control method thereof, comprising: a control panel, on which is provided with a plurality of indicator units; a plurality of sensor elements, disposed on said control panel, each said sensor element detects distance information of an object; and a control circuit, connected electrically to said indicator units and said sensor elements, to receive and determine said distance information, then it finds a minimum value of said distance information, and determine if said value is less than a threshold value, then record number of times said minimum value less than said threshold value, and determine if said number is greater than a preset value, and finally, activate corresponding indication and perform control of a controlled unit. Based on device and method mentioned above, a user does not have to touch a switch, to achieve triggering of said sensor element.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: ANALOGTEK CORP.Inventor: Chu-Chiao YU
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Publication number: 20140145784Abstract: A signal processing device includes a detection unit configured to detect an intent to use the signal processing device based on whether the signal processing device is in contact with a subject; and a power supply unit configured to supply power to operate the signal processing device based on the detected intent to use the signal processing device without using a separate ON/OFF switch to supply the power to operate the signal processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jong Pal Kim
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Patent number: 8736350Abstract: A pressure enabling apparatus includes: a pressure sensor, a resistance wire and a pressure setting module, wherein a terminal of the resistance wire is connected to the pressure sensor and another terminal thereof is connected to an electronic apparatus. The pressure setting module is provided for receiving and converting a resistance variation of the resistance wire into a pressure value. The pressure sensor is provided for varying the resistance value thereof according to an external pressure variation, wherein the resistance variation is processed and transmitted to the pressure setting module via the resistance wire. The electronic apparatus implements an application or function according to a pressure value of the pressure setting module. An electronic apparatus is also provided for implementing different applications by pressing the electronic apparatus and for setting numbers or pages when an application of music-playing or document-reading is locked.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Inventec Appliances (Shanghai) Corporation, Inventec Appliances Corp., Inventec Appliances (Nanchang) CorporationInventor: Chang-Tao Wang