Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electro-mechanical entity.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compact input device that offers a wide space for input operation and portable equipment using the device. The input operation section of the input device is not only for data entry by users, but also for transmitting sound vibration. The coupling section of the device is coupled to the input operation section to form a closed cavity between the two sections. The sound vibration transmitting section, which is formed adjacent to the closed cavity, conveys sound vibration, via the closed cavity, from the input operation section to the sound vibration transmitting section (or vice versa). The portable equipment includes the aforementioned input device and a sound vibration element. In the equipment, the sound vibration element is coupled to the sound vibration transmitting section of the input device. Sound vibration is transmitted, via the closed cavity and sound vibration transmitting section of the input device, from input operation section to the vibration element (or vice versa).

Abstract: A motor allowing multiple degrees of output freedom includes a stator having an interior surface forming at least a portion of a sphere or curved surface and first and second substantially orthogonally positioned stator coils wound on the interior surface. A rotor is fixed to an output shaft and movably supported adjacent the stator with an air gap disposed between the rotor and the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of magnets disposed thereon and is movable along the interior surface in directions defining at least first and second degrees of freedom. Upon energization of the first stator coil, a first magnetic field is established to urge at least a first one of the magnets and the rotor in a direction of the first degree of freedom and upon energization of the second stator coil, a second magnetic field is established to urge at least a second one of the magnets and the rotor in a direction of the second degree of freedom.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient management of memory in a haptic feedback system including a host computer and a haptic feedback device. A representation of device memory is maintained on the host computer to allow the host computer knowledge of force effects stored in the device memory. A host cache for force effects is provided to allow larger numbers of force effects to be created for the device, where force effects not able to fit in device memory can be stored in the host cache.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted input device for controlling by a single manual control section the function of air conditioner, radio, television, CD player, car navigation system, etc. mounted on a motor vehicle. The manual control section has finger detector, for example a photo interrupter, and alerter, for example vibrator, which vibrates in a mode corresponding to the control position of the manual control section. When the manual control section is held by hand, the finger detector detects the driver's finger, and the alerter vibrates in a mode corresponding to a selected control position of the manual control section, thereby enabling the driver to see the control position of the manual control section before and after a changeover by a blind touch, that is, without observing a display device. Thus it helps facilitate driving the motor vehicle and changing the function of the vehicle-mounted electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A keyboard unit capable of making large the stroke of a key top and a sure click touch. In one aspect of the invention, the keyboard unit of the present invention comprises an elastic material such as a domed reversible return spring. In another aspect, a predetermined space is formed between a piezoelectric element and the base plate. The piezoelectric elements may extend underneath two support bodies from a first support body to a second support body. Each membrane switch and the return spring is depressed and reversed by a stem, wherein each of the piezoelectric elements is driven through the contact point of the respective membrane switch. The resulting driving force is transmitted to the respective key top through the stem. The stem is then elastically deformed and contracted by the inertia force pressing the key top to produce the stroke of the key top.

Abstract: Switch arrays such as keyboards are described. The switch arrays may include an array of dome spring elements. Each dome spring element may define a chamber, and a plurality of channels may interconnect the chambers of the dome spring elements such that each chamber of each dome spring element is in fluid communication with the chamber of at least one of the other dome spring elements. The array of dome spring elements may provide a hermetic seal to the bottom side of individual dome spring elements to avoid the sticky key phenomenon. The switch arrays may also include alignments elements. For example, the alignment elements may include hook-like elements that engage one another to define a distance of travel for switches in the switch arrays.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to filtering an entry associated with a Far East language character. A potential keystroke is determined for each entry in a database, contact list, text file, and the like. In one embodiment, the entry is a Unicode associated with the Far East language character. An index is determined from the Unicode based in part on the Far East language character. The index is employed to determine the potential keystroke associated with the Far East language character. If the potential keystroke approximately matches a received keystroke, the entry associated with the Far East language character is selected. In one embodiment, the Far East language character associated with the selected entry is provided to a display device. The Far East language character may include a Korean, Japanese, and Chinese language character.

Abstract: Texts including required message are entered with a small number of keys such as those of a cellular telephone. In this case, a conversion table is unnecessary and the number of key operations is reduced. The number of input characters or input character strings composed by sequentially selecting one from a plurality of alphabets distributed to sequentially entered keys is relevant to the number of operation keys (N) raised to the number of distributed character (M) power (=NM) including meaningless characters or character strings and, with respect to these, character conversion is executed by referring to a dictionary means, through the operation of the conversion/next candidate key. The dictionary means stores numeric strings and words of meaningful characters or character strings among the said characters and character strings.

Abstract: A computing device for visually impaired persons. In one embodiment, the device includes processing logic, input and output devices, a selectable member that has a plurality of functions associated therewith, and a device that indicates in a non-visual manner which-of said plurality of functions is associated with said selectable member at a given time. Several variations of the method and manner of non-visual function indication are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing tactile feedback to a user moving his/her finger across the touch-sensitive surface of a touchpad or tablet. Different regions of the touch-sensitive surface are differentiated from each other by providing a different human perceptible textural surfaces within the regions. A different texture provides immediate tactile feedback to the user through the finger making contact with the touchpad. Increased functionality is important because it solves problems which are inherent to the small touchpad surfaces used as computer input devices. Particularly, it is a problem to drag an object from one side of a display to another without repeatedly raising a finger to repeat the dragging motion because of the limited surface area of the touchpad surface. Providing increased functionality such as a drag extend function solves the movement problem.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficient management of memory in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback device. A representation of device memory is maintained on the host computer to allow the host computer knowledge and control over storage and force effects in the device memory. A host cache for force effects is provided to allow almost unlimited numbers of force effects to be created for the device, where any force effects not able to fit in device memory are stored in the host cache.

Abstract: A motor allowing multiple degrees of output freedom. The motor includes a stator having an interior surface forming at least a portion of a sphere or curved surface and first and second substantially orthogonally positioned stator coils wound on the interior surface. A rotor is fixed to the output shaft and movably supported adjacent the stator with an air gap disposed between the rotor and the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of magnets disposed thereon and is movable along the interior surface in directions defining at least first and second degrees of freedom. Upon energization of the first stator coil, a first magnetic field is established to force at least a first one of the magnets and the rotor in a direction in the first degree of freedom. Upon energization of the second stator coil, a second magnetic field is established to force at least a second one of the magnets and the rotor in a direction in the second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted input device for controlling by a single manual control section the function of air conditioner, radio, television, CD player, car navigation system, etc. mounted on a motor vehicle. The manual control section has finger detecting means, for example a photo interrupter, and alerting mean, for example vibrating means, which vibrates in a mode corresponding to the control position of the manual control section. When the manual control section is held by hand, the finger detecting means detects the driver's finger, and the alerting means vibrates in a mode corresponding to a selected control position of the manual control section, thereby enabling the driver to see the control position of the manual control section before and after a changeover by a blind touch, that is, without observing a display device. Thus it helps facilitate driving the motor vehicle and changing the function of the vehicle-mounted electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A multimedia computer keyboard is provided having one or more high fidelity, diaphragm-type speakers mounted within the keyboard. Mono or stereophonic wiring to each speaker is achieved using existing keyboard cable extending from the keyboard to a keyboard connector arranged upon a host computer. A terminal at the end of the keyboard cable can plug directly into the keyboard connector, such that the terminal can receive an audio output signal generated from a sound card placed within the computer. Accordingly, audio output can be sent to the computer keyboard as an integrated system in order to achieve multimedia function.

Abstract: A pushbutton arrangement includes a pushbutton switch mounted on a substrate and the pushbutton switch has an actuating position. The pushbutton arrangement further includes a supporting member fixed to the substrate and a button operation member for pushing the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch. An elastic connection member is fixed to the supporting member at one end thereof and has the button operation member fixed at the other end thereof so that the button operation member is placed on the actuating portion of the pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A key for transmitting data to an electronic apparatus includes a key top, a sound generating mechanism connected to the key top for generating a predetermined sound without any electrical power supply when the key top is depressed, and an outer sleeve receiving the sound generating mechanism. The outer sleeve has an opening portion for outputting the sound to the outside so that the sound can be received by the electronic apparatus. The acoustic communication system between an input unit and the electronic apparatus may dispense with any cable there between and also dispense with any electrical power supply for the input unit.

Abstract: A keyboard 11 with the function of examining user's physical condition to make a computer 12 to be able of generating a message for reminding the user of his (her) physical condition. The keyboard comprises a plurality of keys 111, a sensing unit 112, wherein the sensing unit 112 senses keystrokes of the keys 111 and produces corresponding physical parameters, whereby the computer 12 generates the message according to the physical parameters. The keyboard 11 will make the computer 12 to be able of alarming the users when their keystroke count, rate, or force exceed a corresponding predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A key assembly includes a cover disposed over a transducer which is connected to a key acutator/interface disposed between the key transducer and a CPU. A tactile signal generator generates control signals from the CPU to activate the actuator/interface. The actuator/interface provides a signal appropriate to the particular transducer causing it to produce tactile feedback response to the key cover and user's touch. The key assembly may include a larger key cover disposed over a plurality of key transducers whereby the CPU causes texture and fine detail sensations variable over the key cover area by selective, variable actuation of the transducers. The end-user may thereby sense by physical contact with the large key cover electronically generated sensations of irregular surfaces or textures. Tactile profiles either user-specified or automatically invoked by a corresponding application vary the keyboard touch and feel as defined by the selected profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing force feedback including an indexing function. A force feedback interface device is coupled to a host computer system displaying a graphical environment. A position of a user-manipulated physical object in a degree of freedom, such as a planar workspace, is sensed by the device, and a user-controlled graphical object is dislplayed on a display screen at a position corresponding to the physical object position. An indexing indication is provided by the user to activate an indexing mode, during which the user-controlled graphical object is displayed at a fixed position on said display screen, regardless of the position of the physical object. The user is able to redefine an offset between the position of the physical object and the position of tile user-controlled graphical object during the indexing mode. A safety switch can be used to activate the indexing mode.

Abstract: A touch screen system for people with disabilities provides an access screen presenting multiple paths of communication and multiple methods of input for a variety of disabilities. People with disabilities communicating with this access screen configure the touch screen for their particular communication needs, allowing use of the touch screen efficiently both for individuals with disabilities and for individuals without disabilities. Individuals with occasional difficulty in interpreting written legends on particular virtual buttons may use a distinct access button to provide an augmented legend for those buttons on an "as needed" basis.

Abstract: A method and system for expanding the features and functions of a CD-ROM drive by facilitating communication between the drive and a host computer. The communication allows a user to control the basic functions, such as volume control, fast forwarding, and playing, from the hard buttons and knobs from the front panel of the drive without incurring conflict with the host computer. It can also allow an IRDA module to be attached to the drive to transfer IRDA data via the IDE/ATAPI port. A parameter and control pages are stored in the firmware of the CD-ROM drive. The parameter page provides parameters to define the input devices, and the control pages update the changes in the status of the input devices. The host computer reads the control pages at a predetermined interval and issues appropriate command based on the changes in the status.

Abstract: A calculator, comprising a keyboard having keys, each key having tactile symbols which indicate in Braille the numeral or function that the key represents. The calculator communicates its calculated numerical results visually, audibly, and tactiley. The tactile indication provides the result by a series of counting pulses, which represent the numerals in the result, the numerals separated by numerals spaces. The speed that the result is tactiley communicated is controllable by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a tactile stimulus to a part of the body of a physical operator when a virtual operator, created by movements of the physical operator, encounters a virtual object defined by a computer. A signalling unit communicates with the computer and emits a signal when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. A stimulus unit responsive to the signalling unit is disposed in close proximity to a part of the body of the physical operator for providing a tactile stimulus when the virtual operator encounters a virtual object. The stimulus unit may comprise a segment of memory metal which undergoes a martensitic transformation to a different form or a solenoid having a member which moves in response to a signal emitted by the signalling unit. A vibrating member, such as a piezoceramic bender may be used instead of or in addition to the solenoid or memory metal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric keyswitch for providing tactile response comprises a bimorphic piezoelectric element anchored at its edge, and a keypad mounted on the bimorphic piezoelectric element spaced from the anchored edge so that depression of the keypad flexes the element to generate an electrical signal. A drive circuit responds to the electrical signal to provide a drive signal to bend the piezoelectric element to provide upward tactile feedback to the keypad.

Abstract: A touch pad such as a keypad or a touch screen is mounted with at least one vibrator to produce a tactile feedback sensed by the user as the pad is touched with a finger or a pointer. The vibrator is controlled by a processor such that it will vibrate for a predetermined length of time in the range of 50 to 1000 ms and at a predetermined amplitude. The vibrator is also selected to vibrate at a frequency between 100 and 5000 hz. The touch screen may be any of the analog resitive, infrared, accoustic, capacitive or electromagnetic inductive type operated devices.

Abstract: A multimedia console keyboard provides a convenient user interface to provide multimedia functions easily accessible to the user. In general, the multimedia console keyboard provides speakers, microphones, volume control, brightness control, contrast control, a pointing device, an electronic keyboard template with contact sensitive ICON and a real time clock/calendar alarm and computer power control switch at the keyboard. The multimedia console keyboard provides an integrated analog-digital preprocessor with audio compression and expansion capabilities and other analog capabilities. Integrated audio allows for a closed-loop voice activation and control for the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an audible indication during the time that a computer system has been toggled into a mode wherein all the letters of the alphabet a displayed in the upper case or the so-called capslock "ON" mode.

Abstract: A force feedback interface having isotonic and isometric control capability coupled to a host computer that displays a graphical environment such as a GUI. The interface includes a user manipulatable physical object movable in physical space, such as a mouse or puck. A sensor detects the object's movement and an actuator applies output force on the physical object. A mode selector selects isotonic and isometric control modes of the interface from an input device such as a physical button or from an interaction between graphical objects. Isotonic mode provides input to the host computer based on a position of the physical object and updates a position of a cursor, and force sensations can be applied to the physical object based on movement of the cursor. Isometric mode provides input to the host computer based on an input force applied by the user to the physical object, where the input force is determined from a sensed deviation of the physical object in space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable computer keyboard capable of operation in three distinct modes: stand-alone mode, automatic mode and a conventional mode. In stand-alone mode, information entered is stored in an on-board memory buffer, and may be edited by using a set of predetermined editing keys in conjunction with a display mounted on the device. In automatic mode, the contents of the on-board memory buffer are transmitted, by a keystroke emulation technique, to an attached host computer via a conventional keyboard connector cable. In the conventional keyboard mode, keystrokes entered are transmitted directly to an attached host computer. The keyboard of the invention may be operated in connection with a plurality of different host computers, and includes host detection and host identification to facilitate operation with such a plurality of different host computers. Also disclosed is a power conservation technique where the device enter a dwell or sleep mode when waiting to process keystrokes.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a system switch device having a board switch and a display unit separated from the latter, with which terminals units can be operated in a blind touch mode. The system switch device comprises: a board switch having switches and touch-operated mechanisms which give a sense of contact to the finger of the operator in response to the key operations of the switches, an electronic control unit operating to control terminal units according to switch signals from the board switch; and a display unit for displaying a selected content according to a switch signal from the board switch with the aid of the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A data entry terminal for one-handed use, the terminal having a limited number of keys, all of which may be reached by a single hand of the user from a home position that does not require the keyboard operator to reposition their hand when moving from one key to another. The keyboard preferably includes a heel rest on which the heel of the hand may be pivotably positioned for comfortable, reliable positioning while operating the keyboard, requiring a minimum amount of eye contact with the keyboard, permitting the keyboard operator to maintain eye contact with the source of data being entered into the computer or other data gathering device. The terminal is preferably bent in two places, with a row of keys on each of the two resulting generally upwardly angled surfaces and three rows of keys on the flat intermediate surface connecting the two angled surfaces.

Abstract: A method for providing a realistic sense of touch in virtual reality by means of programmable actuator assemblies is disclosed. Each tactile actuator assembly consists of a number of individual actuators whose movement is controlled by a computer and associated drive electronics. When an actuator is energized, the rare earth magnet and the associated contactor, incorporated within the actuator, are set in motion by the opposing electromagnetic field of a surrounding coil. The magnet pushes the contactor forward to contact the skin resulting in the sensation of touch. When the electromagnetic field is turned off, the rare earth magnet and the contactor return to their neutral positions due to the magnetic equilibrium caused by the interaction with the ferrous outer sleeve. The small size and flexible nature of the actuator assemblies permit incorporation into a glove, boot or body suit.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus powered by a battery and having a keyboard is disclosed. When a key provided on the keyboard is operated, a key tone generating circuit generates a key tone. A setting circuit sets at least one of the loudness, pitch, duration and other attributes of the key tone. A measuring circuit measures the residual amount of the capacity of the battery in terms of a voltage. The setting circuit changes the attribute of the key tone in response to the output of the measuring circuit. The apparatus allows the user to see the residual amount of the battery capacity on the basis of a different between such key tones, i.e., without looking at a display.

Abstract: Adjacent tactile modules (10) together define a row of modifiable Braille cells (11), opposite a row of micro-switches (50), and opposite a row of covers (30). Each of the latter defines a pivoting tab (32) controlling the corresponding micro-switch, a tab connected by an undercut hinge (36) to a fixed part (31) bearing a fixed Braille information display area (40). At the free end of each tab (32), a bent lug (35) forms a stop with the underside of the associated micro-switch (50). On the back of each tab (32), a cylindrical transverse embossing ensures in-line contact with the micro-switch (50). Considered transversely, the series of pivoting tabs (32) exhibits a sinusoidal shape, this enabling a single tab to be actuated selectively with a broad finger. Also, each tab (32) is furnished with a longitudinal guiding rib, for steering the finger.

Abstract: A remote control system comprising a remote commander and an electronic device main unit, in which the remote commander transmits a command signal to the electronic device main unit, the electronic device main unit receives the command signal, and the electronic device main unit transmits a signal that represents a setting state of the electronic device main unit. The remote commander receives the signal from the main unit and the remote commander displays the setting state of the electronic device main unit so that it can be checked by the user.

Abstract: A portable electronic bar code reader having an improved mechanism for producing sounds. The mechanism includes two piezoelectric disks, each positioned in a separate Helmholtz resonator tuned to a predetermined acoustic frequency at which the piezoelectric disks resonate. The mechanism also includes electronic circuitry for exciting the two piezoelectric disks at the predetermined frequency. The Helmholtz resonators are placed within the bar code reader and drive separate sound channels that are connected to opposite laterally directed sides of the bar code reader. When the piezoelectric disks are driven in phase at the predetermined frequency, the acoustic energy emitted from the two Helmholtz resonator combines in phase in the place where the user is located.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an operational panel on which keyboards or change over switches are randomly arranged. Wherein the electrical circuit constitution is simple and each switch can be freely selected corresponding to whether a buzzer should be sounded or not when operating the switches. The constitution of the apparatus for controlling an operational panel includes a switch matrix (21) including n number of rows of data lines (231-23n), and m number of columns of common lines (241-24m). These data lines (231-23N) and common lines (241-24m) intersect each other. At each intersection, switches (S11-Snm) are respectively provided. Data lines (231-23n) and the common lines are connected to the receiving circuit (8), and a driving circuit (9) . Switch discriminating elements (251-25m) are connected to the receiving circuit (8) via switch discriminating data lines (26) on each of the common lines (241-24m).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for keypads, for conveying audible, visual or tactile information to a user regarding the identity, function, proper usage or potential utility of a given key or group of keys. The information being invoked by the user through superficial or proximal manipulation of the given key without having pressed or manipulated it in a way that would invoke its normal function. The primary concern of the system is as an informational adjunct to a more traditional keypad.

Abstract: A touch button switch includes a body (10) having a conductive actuator (28) slidable from one end against a surface (62) to actuate a switch (61) on a board (52) which is held in place by hook latches (53) engaging mortises (55) in the circuit board. The surface (62) may provide conduction from the touch pad to electronic motionless switch circuitry (66) so that the touch button is usable either as a tactile switch touch button, as a motionless touch button, or both. Or, the actuator can be blocked from sliding by means of a spacer (68); and the switch (61) may be replaced by a structure (61a) holding an electrically conductive surface (62a), or not: either way, the touch button will then operate only as a motionless touch button. Or, the surface (62) can be disconnected (65) from the circuit (66), or the circuit (66) can be not installed, to operate only as a tactile switch touch button.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard producing audible and tactile responses when individual character keys are depressed. To facilitate typing efficiency, the keyboard has membrane characters keys with different transverse heights and adjustable sensory responses.

Abstract: A method and device for stimulating the finger of an operator acting on a static keyboard, which method consists in making at least part of the keyboard mobile on which the finger of the user bears at least partially when it actuates a key, detecting at least one component of the force exerted by the finger on the keyboard during such actuation and causing a pre-established movement of the mobile part of the keyboard when the value of this component exceeds or has exceeded a threshold value.

Abstract: In the tactile effect switch and a keyboard using such a switch, the tactile effect is obtained by combining a snap acting switch and the deformation of a stud, axially deformable under compression, which is integrally formed on a membrane made from a resilient material disposed on a support plate and which provides a resilient connection between a key and the switch in the manner of a pusher.

Abstract: An adaptor unit is designed to fit over the touch tone telephone pad of a cellular car phone. The adaptor unit has an electronic voice quality chip module in it so that when push buttons having numbers on them on the adaptor unit corresponding to the numbers on the touch tone pad are pressed, the voice module says the number. The adaptor unit has a built in speaker and battery supply so that it can be snapped over and attached to an existing telephone touch tone pad and does not require any wiring.

Abstract: A panel switch according to the present invention has a switching unit comprising a plurality of switches which are not provided with individual click mechanisms and at least one click mechanism for the switching unit. Because the switching unit does not incorporate individual click mechanisms, the panel switch can be formed into a small size. In addition, by the integration of the provided click mechanism, the degree of freedom on the design of the panel switch is enlarged, and a small-sized panel switch which is excellent in switching feeling can be offered.

Abstract: An improved percussive action electronic keyboard for play as a musical instrument of the type having pivoted playing keys having camming surfaces distal from finger contact surfaces thereof, pivoted hammers having cam follower surfaces for following the playing key camming surfaces, hammer stop for stopping the swing of the hammer in response to depression of its associated key, includes an electronic sensor for generating an electrical signal for each key which is related in amplitude to the pressure with which the key is depressed during play of the keyboard, and a scanning keyboard state monitor connected to said sensor including a keyboard scanner for scanning each of the keys of the keyboard to determine if a key event has occurred, an amplitude comparator for determining when a key depression causes a said key depression signal amplitude to pass predetermined minimum and maximum amplitude threshold values, a scan counter for counting the number of scans occurring between the scans when the key depressi

Abstract: In construction of an electronic musical instrument having plural musical tone controllers such as keys, push buttons and an expression pedal unit, a number of pulses are generated depending on the extent of movement of each controller on output lines whose number is smaller than that of the pulses so generated and musical tone control parameters such as tone volume, tone color and tonal pitch are changed in multi-stage fashion in response to the pulses generated. Generation of musical tones is assured whilst well reflecting delicate change in player's emotion via subtle key touch control.

Abstract: A modular retroactive keyboard fitted with keys permitting to send back to the user a perception characteristic of the key. Each key is an element of an independent flat and parallelepipedic module that includes a motor, a position detector and an electric connector. Each module further includes arrangement for fixing it to the adjacent module, and the keys are connected to a central processing unit for giving them the desired response by acting on the motor and for processing the detector signals.

Abstract: A keyboard (2) has two transverse arrays of conductors (R0-R13, C0-C7) defining a number of rows and columns of cross-points at each of which a key is positioned whereby depression of a key causes the conductors at the corresponding cross-points to be electrically connected. A scanning device (1) connected to each of the conductors and adapted during a scanning operation to apply a high or low potential to all the conductors of the two arrays and subsequently sequentially to apply a potential of the opposite type to each conductor of one array and to monitor the potential of the conductors of the other array such that if the potential of a conductor of the other array changes, this indicates that the key at the corresponding cross-point is depressed.

Abstract: A high-performance single-crystal silicon tactile imaging array organized in a X-Y matrix of capacitor elements. Metallic column lines are formed on a glass support substrate, while the row lines are formed from a contiguous chain of doubly-supported bridge structures, with one such structure for each sensing element. All of the bridge structures are simultaneously fabricated from a single-crystal silicon semiconductor wafer using a two-step boron diffusion process, followed by a silicon-to-glass electrostatic bonding step and subsequent unmasked wafer dissolution. Each bridge structure has a thick center plate for the sense capacitor supported by thinner beams connected to adjacent row single-crystal silicon support rails bonded to the glass substrate. The force sensitivity and maximum operating range of the tactile imager can be selected over a very wide range by appropriately setting the dimensions of these thinner support beams.