Abstract: An apparatus including: an array of capacitive sensor electrodes including a plurality of distinct capacitive sensor electrodes distributed over a sensing area; conductive traces connected to respective ones of the plurality of distinct capacitive sensor electrodes; and a shield electrode overlying, in the sensing area, conductive traces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a touch-sensing method, applied to a touch-sensing circuit, wherein the touch-sensing circuit includes a detection circuit and a comparison circuit. The touch-sensing method includes: enabling a receiving node to be coupled to a ground during a first discharge period, wherein the receiving node is coupled between the detection circuit and the comparison circuit; enabling the receiving node to obtain a first reference voltage during a first charge period; enabling the receiving node to be coupled to the ground during a second discharge period; and enabling the receiving node to obtain a second reference voltage and producing a sensing result according to the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage by the comparison circuit during a second charge period, wherein the sensing result represents whether a touch event occurs at a first node of the touch-sensing circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substrate. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of drive electrodes disposed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of drive electrodes is formed of an opaque conductive material. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of resistors. For each adjacent pair of drive electrodes of the plurality of drive electrodes, a resistor of the plurality of resistors is coupled between the pair of drive electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for guiding a multi-function switch guide. The apparatus for guiding a multi-function switch includes: a sensor unit that is disposed on an operating lever of a multi-function switch of a vehicle to sense an approach of a user or an operation of the operating lever; a switch state determining unit that determines a current operation state of the multi-function switch, when the approach of the user or the operation of the operating lever is sensed by the sensor unit; an information detection unit that detects a lever operation method corresponding to the current operation state of the multi-function switch; and an output control unit that performs a control to display the detected lever operation method.

Abstract: A method that includes identifying a desired signal connectivity through a switch matrix, where the switch matrix includes a plurality of switching elements, and where the switching elements are selectively operable in a plurality of states to provide a plurality of signal paths for routing signals through the switch matrix. The method also includes identifying a sorting network model that corresponds to a topology of the switch matrix, applying a sorting algorithm to the sorting network model, and determining, based on the results of applying the sorting algorithm, operational states of the plurality of switching elements to provide signal paths corresponding to the desired signal connectivity.

Abstract: A capacitance detecting apparatus, coupled to a capacitor to be measured, includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a control module and a judging module. The first and second capacitors are coupled to the capacitor to be measured via an input node. The control module provides a first voltage-drop variation to the first capacitor and a second voltage-drop variation to the capacitor to be measured to introduce a third voltage-drop variation to the second capacitor. The first and second voltage-drop variations cause charge flowing from the first capacitor to the input node have a same sign with charge flowing from the input node to the capacitor to be measured. The judging module determines capacitance of the capacitor to be measured according to capacitance of the first and second capacitors as well as the first, second and third voltage-drop variations.

Abstract: A capacitive touch keyboard includes a soft shielding layer, a soft intermediate layer, and a one dimensional sensor layer where the soft intermediate layer is interposed between the other two to form a capacitor structure. The soft shielding layer includes a ground plane, a dielectric material covering on the ground plane, and plural key areas at its outer surface. The one dimensional sensor layer includes plural sensing cells which correspond to the key areas, and respective cells are electrically connected to a capacitance sensing circuit. Therefore, features of more compact size, simplified structure design, and tactile feel are provided in a capacitive keyboard.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit is provided, which is suitable to be connected to a signal receiving conductor of a capacitive position detecting sensor, which has low power consumption and small circuit scale, and which allows setting of a small value as the capacitance value of a capacitor used for I-V conversion. After a receiving conductor is clamped to a predetermined potential by a clamp circuit, this receiving conductor clamped to the predetermined potential is connected to a capacitor circuit via a gate circuit. Thereby, a potential that changes corresponding to a position indicated by an indicator such as a finger is generated in the capacitor circuit, and a voltage signal generated in this capacitor circuit is converted to a digital signal to be output.

Abstract: A touch recognition apparatus and method in a capacitive touch screen are provided. The touch recognition apparatus includes a touch panel and a controller. The touch panel includes a first sub panel and a second panel intersecting each other. The first sub panel includes a first electrode line and a second electrode line in X axis, and a plurality of resistors connected between the first electrode line and the second electrode line in X axis. The controller outputs scan signals to the first electrode line in X axis and the first electrode line in Y axis, receives scan sensing signals through the second electrode line in X axis and the second electrode line in Y axis, and measures delay times between the scan signals and the scan sensing signals to touched positions in X axis and Y axis, respectively.

Abstract: A keyboard or keyboard key that has a force sensor that measures the force imparted to the key when a user presses the key or rests a finger on a key. Key embodiments may also include an actuator that excites the in order to provide feedback to the user in accordance with various feedback methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit for making a touch-sensitive personalized display includes a first medium that is foldable according to score lines to form a cavity. The first medium includes an adhesion surface to receive a personalized second medium, and a back surface opposite the adhesion surface. The second medium includes a personalization surface to receive a user selected-image, and includes a rear surface opposite the personalization surface to adhere to the first medium's adhesion surface. The kit includes a conductive touch sensing system to detect a user touch at the personalization surface and to trigger an action at an electronic device responsive to detection of the touch.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a substrate, sensing electrode sets, first pads, second pads, first lines, second lines and connecting conductors. Each of the sensing electrode sets includes a first electrode pattern and a plurality of second electrode patterns disposed beside the first electrode pattern. The plurality of first lines electrically connects the first pads to the first electrode patterns respectively. Each second pad is electrically connected to one of the second electrode patterns through one of the second lines. Each connecting conductor electrically connects one second electrode pattern of one sensing electrode set to one second electrode pattern of another sensing electrode set. The first lines and the second lines do not cross over each other, and the connecting conductors do not cross over each other.

Abstract: A touch sensor circuit and a touch device are provided. The touch sensor circuit includes a charging capacitor, a first current supplying unit, a second current supplying unit, and a switch unit. Wherein, the charging capacitor is serially connected between a detecting terminal and a reference voltage. The first current supplying unit is coupled to the detecting terminal, and receives a first bias voltage signal, and generates a first charging current at the detecting terminal according to the first bias voltage signal. A second current supplying unit is coupled to the detecting terminal, and receives a second bias voltage signal, and generates a second charging current at the detecting terminal according to the second bias voltage signal. The second terminal and the third terminal of the switch respectively supply the first and the second bias voltage signal.

Abstract: A capacitive input device includes first and second pluralities of sensor electrodes disposed in a first region of a substrate. The first and second pluralities of sensor electrodes are substantially orthogonal to one another. The first region is configured to overlap a display screen. At least one routing trace is disposed in a second region of the substrate and is ohmically coupled to a sensor electrode of one of the first and second pluralities of sensor electrodes and also to a processing system. The second region comprises a non-display screen overlapping portion of the substrate. A compensation trace is disposed in the second region and ohmically coupled to the processing system. The compensation trace has substantially the same length as and is substantially parallel and proximate to the at least one routing trace. The compensation trace is not ohmically coupled to any sensor electrode located in the first region.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid control device monitoring are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a body through which a shaft extends. The shaft is to be coupled to an actuator. An angular position of the shaft is based on a position of the actuator. The apparatus includes a target coupled to the shaft and a circuit including a user configurable switch and a proximity switch. The user configurable switch is configurable to a first state or a second state. When the user configurable switch is in the first state and the target is distant from the proximity switch, the circuit is to output a first signal. When the user configurable switch is in the second state and the target is distant from the proximity switch, the circuit is to output a second signal different than the first signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch system for a vehicle. The switch system, facilitates a desired switch to be accurately and conveniently manipulated in a state where a driver views information of the switch displayed through an display device while remaining focused during the vehicle operation. The switch system includes a touch sensor installed on a surface of the vehicle switch, detecting a user touch, a controller for determining an input of the touch sensor, and a display device for receiving a signal of the controller and displaying information of the switch touched by the user.

Abstract: A single-layer capacitive touch-control panel apparatus is provided. The single-layer capacitive touch-control panel apparatus includes a touch-control substrate and a touch-control chip. The touch-control substrate has M touch areas, and each touch area of the plurality of the touch areas includes an axial body and N electrodes. The axial body is electrically connected to the touch-control chip through a first conductive line. N electrodes are disposed on the axial body and are electrically connected to the touch-control chip through a plurality of second conductive lines. The touch-control chip is disposed on the touch-control substrate of single-layer, wherein MN are positive integer.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a trigger agent to activate a touchless switch having a proximity sensor and a plurality of activatable indicator lights. The method comprises detecting the trigger agent within a proximity threshold, activating at least one of the indicator lights according to a first indicator format, detecting a continuing presence of the trigger agent to progressively activate additional indicator lights as the trigger agent continues within the proximity threshold, detecting a retracting movement of the trigger agent away from the proximity sensor to progressively de-activate the activated indicator lights as the trigger agent retracts, and in response to detecting that the trigger agent has reached an activation time threshold, activating the touchless switch while activating the indicator lights according to a second indicator format.

Abstract: A magnetic field switch, comprising: A housing defining an interior space containing (a) a first permanent magnet, (b) a Hall Effect sensor, and (c) a switch device connected to the Hall Effect sensor and having a switching status varying in accordance with magnetic induction at the Hall Effect sensor; and a push-button reciprocally movably associated with the housing, the push-button including a second permanent magnet associated therewith, the push-button having a neutral position and an applied position. The first and second permanent magnets are spaced apart with the Hall Effect sensor and the switch device disposed therebetween. The first and second magnets have poles of the same polarity facing one another. The first and second permanent magnets each generate a magnetic field, the opposing magnetic fields meeting at a boundary region in the space between the first and second permanent magnets.

Abstract: 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 an 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 an AC signal supplied to the antenna or the first driven member is sensed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses that can detect the proximity of an object and differentiate between a human body and a non-human object. The detection and differentiation are facilitated by a first capacitive sensor of a first shape and a second capacitive sensor of a second shape. The detection and determination can be made based on a comparison between a first capacitance from the first sensor and a second capacitance from the second sensor.

Abstract: Touch sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and methods of making touch sensing arrays and electronic devices containing touch sensitive screens that include arrays containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy substrates have select areas of crystalline and amorphous alloy providing for discrete areas of conductivity and resistivity.

Abstract: There is provided a capacitance sensing apparatus including: a driving circuit unit applying a driving signal to a first capacitor; a first integrating circuit unit including a second capacitor charged by a change in capacitance generated in the first capacitor based on the driving signal to generate a first output voltage; and a second integrating circuit unit including a third capacitor charged by a change in capacitance generated in the second capacitor to generate a second output voltage, wherein a level of the second output voltage is changed at least twice during a single period of the driving signal applied to the first capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitive touch-control panel apparatus is illustrated. The capacitive touch-control panel apparatus includes a touch-control substrate and a hub circuit. The touch-control substrate has M touch areas, and each touch-control area includes an axial body and N electrodes. N electrodes are disposed corresponding to the axial body and are electrically connected to the hub circuit. One of the electrodes on each touch-control area is connected to one of the electrodes on the other touch-control area by one-to-one manner, wherein M and N are positive integer.

Abstract: A switch device includes: a first touch sensor portion to which one end of a first wiring portion is connected; a second touch sensor portion to which one end of a second wiring portion is connected; and a touch wiring portion having one end of which is connected only to the second wiring portion and the other end of which is open; the touch wiring portion being arranged such that when one capacitance is produced between the touch surface and the first wiring portion by a touch operation, the other capacitance is produced between the touch surface and the touch wiring portion by the touch operation; and the touch operation is disabled when detecting the one capacitance and the other capacitance. A finger touches a portion other than a touch sensor portion (wiring portion), and the touch is disabled, and thereby, a high reliability is achieved.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a cover panel. An adhesive layer is coupled to the cover panel. A perimeter of the adhesive layer forms at least a portion of a gasket seal extending substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the cover panel. An inner surface of the gasket seal defines an edge of a channel. The apparatus also includes a substrate coupled to the adhesive layer. The substrate includes an outer surface having disposed thereon a connection pad region and drive or sense electrodes. The drive or sense electrodes are disposed between the substrate and the cover panel. At least a portion of the channel is disposed between the gasket seal and the connection pad region. The apparatus further includes a flexible printed circuit (FPC) electrically coupled by the connection pad region to the drive or sense electrodes. A first portion of the FPC extends through the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor array with a plurality of active pixels. Each active pixel in the sensor array includes: a three transistor (3T) sensor with a source follower transistor, and a detection diode coupled in series to a parasitic capacitor at a sensing junction. A gate of the source follower transistor amplifier is coupled to the sensing junction. The apparatus includes an insulator layer over the sensor array. The insulator layer provides a variable capacitance to the sensing junctions of underlying active pixels in response to portions of an object being proximate to the insulator layer. The variable capacitance is used to detect an image of the object.

Abstract: A touch device and a method for detecting touch on the touch device are provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of touch values corresponding to a plurality touch region of a touch panel are obtained. A touch block is determined according the touch values and a touch threshold value, which the touch regions within the touch block are adjacent to one another. The touch values of the adjacent touch regions within the touch block are compared with one another to determine whether there is a touch value trough point in the touch block. It is determined that whether the touch block corresponds to a single touch or a multi-touch according to whether there is the touch value trough point in the touch block.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Control circuitry processes the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The threshold is adjusted down when a substantially stable sensor signal is detected below the threshold for a minimum time period, and the threshold is adjusted up when a sensor signal greater than the threshold by a predetermined value is detected.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly includes first and second proximity switches comprising first and second proximity sensors and a tactile feature disposed between the first and second proximity switches. The assembly also includes controlling circuitry detecting an object on the tactile feature based on sensed signals from the first and second proximity sensors and preventing activation of the first and second switches when an object is detected on the tactile feature. The assembly further includes a resting pad having a third sensor, wherein the control circuitry detects an object with the first sensor and an object on the resting pad and determines activation of the first and second proximity switches based on the detected objects.

Abstract: The capacitive fingerprint sensor according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes: a fingerprint sensing electrode Cfp for sensing a human fingerprint; a first transistor T1 in which the amount of currents flowing therethrough changes depending on an output voltage of the fingerprint sensing electrode Cfp; a second transistor T2 in which the amount of currents flowing therethrough changes due to a difference between the currents flowing through the first transistor T1; and a third transistor T3 which resets a gate electrode of the first transistor T1 and provides capacitive coupling with the gate electrode of the first transistor T1 via a pulse signal.

Abstract: A signal-noise ratio control system which reduces noise interference includes a touch sensor, a touch controller, and a level shifter. The touch sensor is driven by a driving signal and outputs an analog signal based on a touch situation. The touch controller generates the driving signal and provides a divided voltage based on the analog signal. The level shifter adjusts a voltage level of the driving signal based on a voltage level of the divided voltage.

Abstract: A method of activating a proximity switch is provided. The method of activating the proximity switch includes the step of sensing a signal associated with a proximity sensor and sensing a dynamic parameter. The method also includes the step of tuning a threshold value based on the sensed dynamic parameter. The method further includes the step of activating the switch based on the signal and the threshold value.

Abstract: A proximity detection device includes: a mobile terminal antenna body and a mobile terminal side metal strip, configured to detect capacitance of a space between the mobile terminal antenna body and the mobile terminal side metal strip; and a capacitance detection sensor circuit, electrically coupled to the mobile terminal antenna body and the mobile terminal side metal strip, and configured to determine whether a person is approaching according to the capacitance detected by the mobile terminal antenna body and the mobile terminal side metal strip, and output an indication signal when it is determined that a person is approaching, so as to indicate that a person is approaching.

Abstract: A detection electrode and an X-driving electrode (first driving electrode) are stacked through a sensor side insulating layer, at the side of a sensor portion of a film base material, and a Y-driving electrode (second driving electrode) is formed on the same forming surface as the detection electrode. The X-driving electrode is formed of a first conductive layer, the detection electrode and the Y-driving electrode are formed in a stacked structure of a second conductive layer having a resistance lower than the first conductive layer and a third conductive layer having a resistance higher than the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A control assembly adapted for automotive applications provides operator inputs and displays and includes a uniface ornamental escutcheon defining a central display area and a plurality of operator input devices at least partially circumscribing the display area. Each operator input device includes a faux control member integrally formed within the escutcheon and having beveled circumferential contours mimicking a discrete displacable control element. At least one substrate extends rearwardly from and closely conforms with a rear surface of the escutcheon, and is positioned to transect a plurality of adjacent faux control members. At least one capacitance sensor is associated with each faux control member and is carried on a forward facing edge of the substrate. As a result, each operator input device is touch sensitive to manual operator selection of input devices by touching the exposed face of the escutcheon to effect a desired switching function.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for activating a proximity switch is provided. The assembly includes a proximity sensor generating a signal, and a contact surface proximate to the proximity sensor and having a differential elevation change feature. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry processing the signal to detect a differential increase in the activation signal indicative of a hard press on the contact surface. The control circuitry detects activation of the switch based on the differential increase exceeding a differential threshold. Activation can further be determined based on a stable signal.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel sequentially has a first glass substrate, a lower touch sensitive layer, a lower insulation ink layer, a lower conductor layer, a lower insulation layer, a lower conductive adhesive layer, a flexible circuit board, a transparent insulation adhesive layer, an upper insulation layer, an upper conductive adhesive layer, an upper conductor layer, an upper insulation ink layer, an upper touch sensitive layer and a second glass substrate. The aforementioned structure allows fabrication of the capacitive touch panel to be separated into a lower panel fabrication process and an upper panel fabrication process. The two independent fabrication processes prevent the capacitive touch panel from being damaged in one of the processes when the process is completed so as to increase the yield in production and further facilitate producing large-size touch panel.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of the proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field, determines a rate of change in signal amplitude for each signal, and generates an adaptive time delay based on the control circuitry. The control circuitry further detects a peak amplitude of the signal and determines activation of the switch after expiration of the time delay following the peak amplitude detection.

Abstract: A table music system includes an enclosure having a top surface and a front surface free of manually mechanically actuable controls for controlling functions of the table music system. A radio receiver and powered speakers system are located within the enclosure. A display is located on the front surface of the enclosure for displaying at least time. An alarm in the enclosure is configured to be set by a user to produce an alarm signal at a user-selectable time. A touch-sensitive area on the enclosure allows the user to control a function of the take music system. A wireless remote control permits the user to control functions of the table music system.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The assembly and method detects a signal associated with each proximity switch, determines a rate of change of the signal associated with the first switch and a rate of change of the signal associated with a neighboring second switch and determines whether to activate the first switch based on at least one of the first rate of signal change and second rate of signal change.

Abstract: A touch panel sensor for sensing a contact position of part of body comprises a substrate, a resist electrode part including resist electrodes formed on the substrate to have a capacitance changeable according to approaching of the part of body, and a signal electrode part including signal electrodes formed on the resist electrode having resistance coefficient less than the resist electrode.

Abstract: A signal-noise ratio control system which reduces noise interference includes a touch sensor, a touch controller, and a level shifter. The touch sensor is driven by the driving signal and outputs an analog signal based on the touch situation. The touch controlling IC generates the driving signal and provides the divided voltage based on the analog signals. The level shifter adjusts the voltage level of the driving signal based on the voltage level of the divided voltage.

Abstract: A touch panel and fabricating method thereof are provided. The touch panel includes a substrate, a touch-sensing circuit, and fan-out traces. The substrate has a touch-sensing region and an adjoined peripheral region. The touch-sensing circuit is disposed on the touch-sensing region. The fan-out traces are disposed on the peripheral region and electrically connected to the touch-sensing circuit. Each fan-out trace includes a first conductive line, a first dielectric layer and a second conductive line. The first conductive line is disposed on the peripheral region. The first dielectric layer is disposed on the peripheral region to cover the first conductive line, and has at least one contact window located above the first conductive line. The second conductive line is disposed on the first dielectric layer, wherein the first and the second conductive line of the same fan-out trace have the same pattern and are electrically connected through the contact window.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detection of proximity and/or touching including least one sensor supporting surface having a first flat face and a second flat face, a proximity and/or touching sensor which is connected to the first flat face and/or to the second flat face of the sensor supporting surface, a decoration supporting medium with a first support flat face and a second support flat face, a decoration layer which is connected to the first support flat face and/or to the second support flat face of the decoration supporting medium, and/or is an integral component of the decoration supporting medium. In this case, the sensor supporting surface and the decoration supporting medium are connected to one another such that a connection along their mutually facing flat face and support flat face is not formed, or is partially formed.

Abstract: A capacitance detecting apparatus, coupled to a capacitor to be measured, includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a control module and a judging module. The first and second capacitors are coupled to the capacitor to be measured via an input node. The control module provides a first voltage-drop variation to the first capacitor and a second voltage-drop variation to the capacitor to be measured to introduce a third voltage-drop variation to the second capacitor. The first and second voltage-drop variations cause charge flowing from the first capacitor to the input node have a same sign with charge flowing from the input node to the capacitor to be measured. The judging module determines capacitance of the capacitor to be measured according to capacitance of the first and second capacitors as well as the first, second and third voltage-drop variations.

Abstract: A driving method for charger noise rejection in a touch panel has steps of: reading the sensing frame of the touch panel with a self-capacitance sensing mode, marking at least one first-axis sensing line having a recognizable sensing value, and driving the at least one marked first-axis sensing line with a mutual-capacitance sensing mode to acquire at least one sensing value corresponding to at least one sensing point on each one of the at least one marked first-axis sensing line. Accordingly, the charger noise is rejected in the touch panel by the driving method of the present invention. Additionally, a frame rate is further increased since the sensing lines are partially driven under the mutual-capacitance sensing mode.

Abstract: Various embodiments allow for background calibration of channel-to-channel mismatch errors. In certain embodiments calibration is accomplished by comparing the output of I-ADCs against the output of a reference ADC and correlating the difference to a known function to obtain a correction signal that can be used to correct channel-to-channel mismatch errors.

Abstract: A method for judging capacitance type touch buttons in touch sensing technical field includes that: when touching a button, determining the change trend of the charge quantity on the button; a charge regulation is performed to the charge accumulation area corresponding to each button, until the charge quantity in the charge accumulation area corresponding to the button remains unchanged; calculating the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area when touching the button, and calculating the ratio between the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area and the charge balance quantity as well; and when the change trend of the charge quantity on the button is decrease and the ratio between the charge changing quantity of the charge accumulation area corresponding to the button and the charge balance quantity is larger than or equal to the first threshold value and smaller than the third threshold value, or when the change trend of the charge quantity on the button is increase and the r

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program, cable and system are provided for: receiving a signal relating to a detection of a touch on a cable; determining a location on the cable of the touch; and controlling an apparatus, which is in communication with the cable, based on the detected touch and the determined location of the touch.