GB2530056A

GB2530056A - Interactive sensing surface

Info

Publication number: GB2530056A
Application number: GB1416036.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Amir Shadmand; Anousheh Tavakoli-Dehkordi
Original assignee: SUPER ENTPR ASSOCIATES Ltd
Current assignee: SUPER ENTPR ASSOCIATES Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-10
Filing date: 2014-09-10
Publication date: 2016-03-16
Also published as: GB201416036D0

Abstract

The invention concerns a passive device 100 which preferably either forms part of the case of an active device 150 such as a smartphone or tablet, or is provided as a hard sticker which can be stuck to the active device. The passive device has an antenna 101 which receives a first radio frequency signal from an active device and transmits a second radio frequency signal to the active device. The passive device harvests energy 107 from the first radio frequency signal. The passive device also includes a user interface 140 comprising at least one pressure-sensitive conductor for receiving a user input. The second radio frequency signal communicates an indication of the user input. The first and second radio frequency signals are preferably in accordance with the near field communication (NFC) standard. The passive device functions as an additional user interface for the active device.

Description

INTERACTIVE SENSING SURFACE

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a passive device arranged to couple with an active device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a peripheral, such as a back-cover, for a smartphonc or tablet computer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a companion device for a handheld electronic device, smartphone or tablet.

The present disclosure also relates to a cover for an electronic device such as a 1 0 smartphone cover or a tablet case. The present disclosure also relates to a near-field communication "NFC" system and a method of providing additional ftmnctionality to an active device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method of providing additional functionality to an active device using a passive device coupled to thc active device. The present disclosure further relates a method of monitoring and managing activities on an active device and a method for providing interoperability between an active device and passive device coupled to the active device.

BACKGROUND

With the growth in powerful smartphones and tablets "S&T", people spend a significant amount of their everyday time on these mobile devices.

Statistics show the size of the S&T market across all sectors from device to accessory to mobile apps-is currently £220bn (IHS Research, 2013) and growth continues to significantly expand year-by-year. The increasing penetration of S&T and expansion of value of mobile handsets is driving a shift in accessory design toward engaging innovative accessories including embedded systems.

Other statistics show that the UK accounts for 3% of S&T worldwide market. So, the projected market value of NFC-enabled S&T accessories and mobile health in the UK respectively will be £585rn and £400m by 2017. The opportunity in EU is expected to reach £4.38, in 2017, about 70% of the revenue is expected to come from countries in Western Europe (GSMA. 2011).

The S&T accessories aftermarket is expected to grow by 10.5% (CAUR) to £29bn by 2017 (ABI Research, 2012). The NFC handset market is expected to grow from 125% of total S&T market in 2012 to 67% by 2017 (Frost & Sullivan!Berg Insight, 2013). This means a potential shift in the value of NFC-enabled S&T accessories market from £l.9bn in 2012 to £19.Sbn by 2017 agrowthofs9.3%(CAGR).

With the growth in powerful S&T devices, more people are playing games, using apps for reading, map exploring, internet browsing, etc. on mobile devices (86% of time spent on Apps, Flurry Analytics, 2014). The significant growth in the mobile market is driven by the emergence of powerful graphic chips inside modem high-quality touchscrecn devices making them a favourable gaming and application platform.

However, S&T on their own still cannot provide the same experience as other devices such as gaming handhelds and computers. User experience during gaming and other mobile app interactions is affected as fingers are constantly obscuring the face-side of the display, thus interfering with line of sight.

For example, there has been disclosed a product called "PlayStation Vita" which a gaming console with rear-touch pad.

There has also been disclosed a touch sensitive ease for a smartphone called "Sensus" by Canopy which adds a touch interface to the sides and back of the smartphone through variable pressure technology. Notably, however, this product utilises the connector of the mobile phone to obtain power and transfer data. This makes the product bulky and cumbersome. The present disclosure aims to increase the functionality of a host device without adding significant bulk.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a smartphone, or tablet, companion device.

However, the skilled reader will appreciate that the present disclosure may be extended to other electronic devices -in particular, other handheld electronic devices.

More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a battery-less smart accessory simply able to attach to and wirelessly interact via the back of the phone. The product does not need an extra powerftil microcontroller, memory or a display as the smartphone or tablet fulfils all of these requirements.

Notably, the inventors have identified that the unattended space on the back of S&T may be converted to an additional interface. The present disclosure relates to an interactive battery-less smartphone or tablet companion device. The device also bcnctits from a powerharvesting component enabling it to harvest its electric energy from the host smartphone or tablet for transmitting both data and power. Functioning without a battery or connector simplifies the product and reduces size and cost.

The device may he a Smartphone accessory making it more flexible, affordable, and accessible to a wider range of people compared to other standalone accessories in the market. The device in accordance with the present disclosure increases accessibility and, for example, allows people to upgrade an existing product without having to buy anewproduct.

in contrast to known devices, the present disclosure relates to providing additional functionality to an active device -e.g. S&T -by way of an accessory, which couples to the host device. For example, the device may optionally be retrofitted to an existing active device.

The present disclosure relates to an interactive battery-less sensing surface scamlessly able to attach on and interact via the back of, for example, a smartphone. The product includes a power-harvesting component enabling it to harvest required clectric energy from S&T to transmit both data and powcr. It also includes a force sensitive sensor component and a microcontroller.

There is disclosed an interactive device converting the back olan active device such as S&T -to an additional playing and interacting surface for users. Optionally, the product is designed in the fomi of a mobile case', or a universal "hard sticker" to stick and cover back of various range of Smartphoncs or Tablets providing the added benefit of protecting the phone. This brings new functionalities and adds new dimensions to the back of the phone. Expanding user interface in a way that was not previously available means new functionality; features, apps etc. can be fully exploited by mobile app and game developers. Functioning without a battery or connector simplifies the product's use and reduces development costs, resulting in a low final price.

Aspects of an invention arc defined in the appended independent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows components of the passive device and the active device in accordancc

with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 shows different types of available user input; Figure 3 shows an embodiment utilising a Human Interface Device, "HID", to interlace communications between an active device and the passive device; Figure 4 shows the flow of steps between a client and the passive device through the communication service in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 5 shows an example of how the passive device may he coupled to the active device; and Figure 6 shows an example of the passive device fully asscmbled to the active device.

in the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In overview, the present disclosure relates to a passive device which benefits from a power-harvesting component cnabling it to harvest its required electric energy from a suitably-enabled smartphone or tablet to transmit both data and power. A transceiver also enables the passive device to connect to other computing platforms securely and reliably through its host smartphone. The device may be a battery-less smart accessory simply able to attach to and wirclessly interact via the back of the phone.

Embodiments refer to near field communications "NFC" which are relatively short range communications in accordance with the NFC standard but the skilled reader will understand that, in other embodiments, other short range communication protocols may be used.

An embodiment of a system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1 by way of example only.

Figure 1 shows the PCB of a passive device 100 arranged for communication with a mobile device t50. The mobile device t50 is an active device. The passive device comprises an NFC antenna 101 arranged to receive and transmit NFC radio frequency "RE" signals. NEC antenna 101 is connected to NEC enabler IC 105. NFC enabler IC 105 is further connected to an energy storage component 107 and a microcontroller 117. Energy storage component 109 is connected to other electronic components 113 which are also connected to microcontroller 117, Microcontroller 117 is connected to a connector 121 arranged to couple the passive device 100 to further components. The passive device IOU fUrther comprises a hID profile 123 which is explained further below.

In this embodiment, mobile device 150 comprises a software controller 151 arranged to interface with any number of third party compatible applications 167 and third party certified applications 163. Further details of the software are provided below.

En operation of this embodiment, NFC antenna 101 is driven (or powered) by NFC enabler 105 to transmit a NEC RE signal which may he received by the mobile device 150. NFC antenna 101 receives NEC RF signals transmitted by mobile device 150.

Signals received by NFC antenna 101 are transferred to NEC enabler IC 105.

Accordingly, two-way communication 103 is provided between NEC antenna 101 and NEC cnabler IC 105. NEC enabler IC 105 converts a received signal into energy and transfers this energy 107 to energy storage component 109. Energy storage component 109 provides energy 111 to other electronic components 113. NEC enabler IC 105 exchanges data 115 with microcontroller 117. NEC enabler IC 105 cooperates with microcontroller 117 to determine when energy from energy storage component 113 should be used to drive antenna 101 to transmit a NFC RE signal.

Other electronic components 113 also exchange data and energy 119 with microcontroller 117.

The inventors further recognised that a user interface 140 may he powered by the S electrical energy produced by an enabler IC 105. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the passive device 100 further includes a user interface 140. In this embodiment, the user interface 140 comprises at least one pressure-sensitive conductor.

The passive device is therefore arranged to receive a first NFC RF signal from the active device and harvest electrical energy from the first NFC RF signal. The passive device is further arranged to receive a user input on the user interface 140 and transmit a second NFC RF signal, optionally, comprising data representative of the user input. The data representative of the user input characterises the user input. For example, it may eharacterise a swipe movement or dcfme a point of contact and, optionally, the pressure applied at the point of contact. The user interface 140 is powered using electrical energy/power harvested/obtained from the first NFC RF signal. The second NFC RF signal is received and decoded by the active device.

Accordingly, data representative of the user input on the user interface 140 is transmitted to the active device. The active device, or an app running on the active device, may therefore respond to the user input accordingly. It may therefore be understood that the user interface 140 functions as a user interface, or additional user interface, for the active device.

Notably, the antenna and user interface are powered by electrical energy obtained from transmissions by the active device. Accordingly, the passive device does not need its own power supply. Further notably, the passive device and active device are in wireless, not wired, communication. This allows the passive device to provide an additional user interface for an active device without substantially altering the size and shape olthe active device.

There is therefore provided a passive device arranged to couple with an active device, the passive device comprising: an antenna arranged to receive a first radio frequency signal from an active device and transmit a second radio frequency signal to the active device; an enabler IC arranged to connect to the antenna and convert the first radio frequency signal into electrical energy; and a user interface comprising at least one pressure-sensitive conductor powered by the clcctrical energy produced by the enabler IC, wherein the user interface is arranged to receive a user input.

Likewise, there is provided a method of providing additional frmnctionality to an active device, the method comprising coupling the active device with a passive device comprising a user interface arranged to receive a user input, the method comprising the following steps performed by the passive device: receiving a first radio frequency signal from the active device; producing electrical power from the first radio frequency signal; and powering the user interface using the electrical power produced from the first radio frequency sial, wherein thc user interface comprises a pressure-sensitive conductor.

It may therefore be understood that, in an embodiment, the passive device ftrthcr 1 5 comprises a processor powered by the electrical energy produced by the enabler IC, wherein the processor is arranged to drive the antenna to transmit the second radio frequency signal, wherein the second radio frequency signal comprises information identifying the user input.

[hat is, the method further comprises transmitting information identifying the user input, from the passive device to the active device, in a second radio frequency signal generated by the antenna.

In an embodiment, the passive device furiher comprises an energy storage component arranged to store electrical energy produced by the enabler IC.

Advantageously, there is provided a low power and energy harvesting passive device.

For example, in embodiments in which the device harvests electrical energy through technology based on the Near Field Communication standard, the device can capture, process, and communicate data with a minimal power requirement-for example, less than 10 mA and 3.3 V. There is therefore provided a companion device that has the ahility to harvest its required operating energy from the battery of its host smartphone.

The inventors have recognised that an improved passive device for increasing the functionality of an active device may be provided by utilising an enabler IC to harvest electrical power from a radio frequency signal transmitted by the host device. In embodiments, the enabler IC is arranged to harvest electrical power from a NEC RE signal transmitted by the host device. A NEC is a communication in accordance with the NEC standard, A device capable of such communication may be referred to as an NEC-enabled device.

In most cases, NEC hardware embedded in S&T provides more power than is needed 1 0 for tag operation and excess energy can be used to run a companion product.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a product which utilising NEC.

Embodiments therefore work like a passive NEC tag, i.e. it is not only capable of communicating with NEC enabled readers in S&T, but also powered by NEC RE signals transmitted by the host device. Effectively delivering wireless power gives users the freedom and mobility to seamlessly power the passive device in an unencumbered fashion.

it may therefore be understood that, in particularly advantageous embodiments, the first and second radio frequency signals are communications in accordance with the NEC standard.

In embodiments, the enabler IC is anNFC enabler IC such as Silicon Craft l'cchnologies S1C4310 NEC enabler IC. See, for example, US2004/0002244 the entire teachings of which arc incorporated herein by reference. The skilled reader will understand how to select an enabler IC of suitable performance for the present

disclosure.

In an embodiment, the user interface comprises a spatial array of pressure-sensitive conductors. Accordingly, spatial information related to the user input may be obtained.

Returning to Figure 1, examples of the software used by mobile device 150 are further described in the following. Mobile device 150 comprises a software controller 151.

The mobile device 150 further comprises third party certified applications 163 and

S

third party compatible applications 167. It may be understood that the mobile device may comprise any number of third party certi fled applications 163 andlor third party compatible applications 167. A difference between third party certified applications 163 and third party compatible applications 167 is how they communicate with the software controller 151 and, through the software controller, with the passive device 100.

The third party certified applications 163 integrate the Application Programming Interface (API) 165. Through the API, third-party certified applications 163 are able 1 0 to communicate with the software controller 1 5 1.

The third party compatible applications 167 are applications built without the API 165. For example, the third party compatible applications 167 may be applications which were originally not designed to work specifically with the passive device 100.

To provide communication between such third party compatible applications 167 and the software controller 151, embodiments comprise at least one of five possible Iuirther modules 153, 155, 157. 159, 161. These modules provide possible options for interfacing third party compatible applications 167 with the software controller 151 such that the passive device 100 may be used with the third party compatible applications 167 which were not specifically designed for the passive device. In embodiments, these further modules take advantage of some the framework features of the operating system used by the mobile device. Embodiments take advantage of Android framework features. In embodiments, the fitrther modules rely on input channels described in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows an example of a plurality of input channels between a user 201 and a mobilc device 203. In summary, three types of input are conventionally available to a user: touch input 202, Bluetooth input 204 and USB input 206. In accordance with the present disclosure, embodiments provide a fourth type of input -namely, NFC input 208 using passive device 100.

In embodiments, the mobile device 150 comprises an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) approval module 1 53 which provides a first interface option for third party compatible applications 167 uses the. It requires the OEM of the active device 150 to give its approva.1 by providing the certificate it uses to sign its own apps on the system. Those apps, signed with the OEM certificate 153, have special permissions. If the software controller 151 is signed with the OEM certificate 153, it gets the ability to use the input channel onTouchEvent 211 (described in figure 2) to communicate with a third party compatible application 167.

In embodiments, the mobile device 150 comprises a second option provided by a local debug module 155. Debug mode is usually turned on when the active device 150 is connected to a computer in USB. In debug mode, special commands are available, among which the ability to use the input channel onTouchEvent 211 (described in figure 2). The local debug mode 155 runs independently from any computer, it is built inside the software controller 151. Therefore, the software controller 151 can use the input channel onTouchhvent 211 (described in figure 2) to communicate with a third party compatible application 167. is

In embodiments, the mobile device 150 comprises a third option provided by an Input Method Editor (IME) 157. fME is a concept of the Android framework usually representing an on-screen keyboard, IMEs can input alphanumerical text but also codes representing common buttons (up, down, left, right, or back for instance) to any app that is currently in foreground. The IME 157 provided by the software controller 151 is invisible, but it inputs codes, depending on the input received, to all Android apps using the input channel onKeyDownlUp 215 (described in figure 2).

In embodiments, the mobile device 150 comprises a fourth option provided by a Flurnan-Interface Device (Hit)) protocol, either by having the passive device declare an HID profile 123 on its connection to the active device 150, or by simulating an RID 159 from inside the software controller 151. For example, complying with the HID protocol allows to rest on the default behaviour handled by the I 1inux kernel below the Android system. Therefore the HID profile 123 or simulated hID 159 can use one or a combination of the input channels accessible to an H ID, which are onTouchEvent 211, onOenericMotionEvent 213 and onKeyDownfup 215 (described in figure 2), to communicate with a third party compatible application 1 67.

In embodiments, the mobile device 150 comprises a fifth option provided by a game engine plug-in module 161. For example, some Android games are built with a game engine that provides methods to play music, draw graphics or handle user input, for instance. Some of those game engines have a plug-in system, like the Unity 3D game S engine. A third party compatible application 167 built sth a game engine can easily take advantage of the game engine plug-in 161 to communicate with the software couftoller 151 through the game cnginc and the game engine plug-in module 161.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment comprising all five optional modules for interfacing with third party compatible applications 167. However, it may be understood that other embodiments comprise any one or more of modules 153, 155, 157, 159, 161.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, an example app running on mobile device 203 has four different channels on which to receive an input, corresponding to three different I 5 Java methods that developers use in code: onTouehEvent 211, onGenericMotionEvent 213 and onKeyDo%nIUp 2i5. The present disclosure provides a fourth Java method, onFlitchioPressed/Released 217. Not all of these input channels are always valid.

onTouchEvent 211 is always valid because it is the base of the Android operating system. onGenericMotionEvent 213 and onKeyUp/Down 215 are optional and only valid if the app developer chooses to implement them, but as part of the Android framework these channels onGenericMotionEvent 213 and onKeyUp/Down 215 are widely used. In accordance with the present disclosure, the fourth Java method -namely, onFlitchioPressed/Releascd 217-is only valid if the app developer chooses to implement it by using the API 165 dedicated for passive device 100 of the present

disclosure.

By way of example, touch input 202 sends input directly to the onlouchEvcnt channel 211 or alternatively, when using a "soft" keyboard on a smartphone, input into an IME object 209 which will handle the input itself to the onKeyDownlUp channel 215. By way of further example, Bluetooth 204 and USB 206 inputs lead to the creation of an HID object 205 in the Android system. This HID object 205 can then input to different channels depending on its profile. If it has a Mouse / Trackpad profile 210, it can send input directly to the onTouchEvent channel 211. If it has a Gamepad / DPad / Joystick profile 212 it can send input to the combination of the two channels onGenericMotionEvent 213 and onKeyDownlUp 215. Alternatively, the HID object 205 can input into an IME object 209 which will handle the input itself to the onKeyDownlUp channel 215.

In embodiments, the additional NFC input 208 provided by passive device 100 is handled by the sothvare controller 207 (which corresponds to sothvare controller 151 of figure 1). In this embodiment, the software controller 207 sends the input to the onFlitchioPressedlReleased channel 217. In embodiments, the software controller 207 inputs into an IME 209 which handles the input itself to the onKeyDown/IJp channel 215.

The IME 209 object rarely provides all the functionality of the original input. For example, it does not forward gestures from finger input 202 or represent joystick movements from a (lamepad HID 205 or comprise pressure and gesture information.

In this respect, it may be understood that IME 209 may be referred to as a "fallhack" or "compatibility mode".

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment in which the active device 1 50 and passive device 100 communicate using an HID (either HID profile 123 of the passive device or HID 159 simulated by the software controller 151). It may be understood that this method of communication is provided instead of or as well as the API-based or IME-based methods described above.

Specifically, Figure 3 shows an incoming connection handling module 307 arranged to receive input from a Bluetooth inbound connection 301, a USI3 inbound connection 303 and an NFC inbound connection 305. A HID recognition module 309 comprises a Bluetooth HID 311, a USD HID 313 and a NFC I-lID 315 arranged to receive respective inputs from the incoming conncction handling module 307.

If the incoming connection handling module 307 determines that an inbound NEC communication utilises the HID protocol, the NFC communication is routed directly 350 to the NFC HID 315 of HID recognition module 309.

If the incoming connection handling module 307 determines that an inbound NFC communication does not utilise the hID protocol, the NFC conununication is routed 352 to an NFC tag handling module 329 which, in cooperation with a software controller 331, provides the 1-lID recognition module 309 with a simulated HJI) 354.

A ftrther explanation of simulating the HID is provided later in the description.

A profile assignment module 317 receives the output from the I-lID recognition module 309 and, optionally, presents the user with a list of possible device types. In embodiments, the profile assignment module 317 determines whether the passive device should be used as, for example, a keyboard 319, mouse 321, traekpad 323 or gamepad 325. Once a profile has been assigned, the active device is ready to receive inputs 327 from the passive device.

Again, for the avoidance of doubt, although this embodiment utiliscs a HID, it may be understood that other protocols for interfacing the active device and passive device are equally suitable. For example, as described above, a dedicated API-based protocol may be used (particularly for third-party certified applications) or an IME-based protocol may be used (so-called "compatibility mode").

It may therefore be understood that, in embodiments, the passive device further comprises at least one of a HID interface, IME interface or API arranged to facilitate communication between the passive device and active device. It may, of course, be understood that actually only one of these interfaces is required to facilitate communication between the active device and passive device.

The communication sequence between the software controller 151 and a third party certified app 159 may be better understood with reference to Figure 4. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the flow of steps (events and commands) between a client (user) 30 i, the communication service 307 on the active device 305 and the PCB 303 of the passive device in accordance with an embodiment. In figure 4, the vertical axis represents time running from top (first step) to bottom (latest step).

Figure 4 shows the following ordered steps: -the first step is RF activation 450 which awakes the passive device and establishes an NFC connection between the active device 405 and the passive device; -tag identification data 452 is transmitted from the PCB 403 to the communication service 407 which identifies the passive device; -an initialisation sequence 454 is transmitted from the communication service 407 to the PCB 403 which prepares the PCB 403 for reading data from the sensors; -the PCB acknowledges 456 to the communication service 407 receipt of thc initialisation sequence 454 and connection between the passive device and active device is now complete; -the client application send a "data flow start request" command to the communication service 407 requesting the communication service 407 to send a "read data" to the PCB 403; -the communication service 307 transmits a "read data" command to the PCB 403, requesting the PCB 403 to read data generated by the sensor; -the PCB 403 transmits data 462 received from sensor to the communication service 407 which transmits this data 464 to the client application 401; -steps 460, 462 and 464 are repeated in a ioop 466 until a "stop data flow" command is sent from the client 401 to the communication service 407.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the pressure-sensitive conductors comprise a Quantum Tunnelling Composite "QTC" such as the QTC ink sensor available from Peratech Limited. See, for example, LP2736006 the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by referenced. 1-Towever, the skilled reader will appreciate that the present disclosure extends to other pressure-sensitive conductors.

QTC5 are a composite material made from particles of metal and elastomeric binder.

In an unstressed state, the material is a near perfect insulator. however, mechanical deibnnation causes the material to become conductive. With sufficient pressure, near metallic levels of conduction are achieved.

The inventors have identified that a pressure-sensitive conductor comprising QTC is particularly suitable as the pressure-sensitive conductor because it may be readily coupled to the back of a host device and may be powered by commercially available enabler ICs -particularly NFC enabler ICs -which harvest electrical power from communications commonly available on popular active devices.

In embodiments, the QTC sensor is a pressure-switching and sensing material technology facilitating 3D-feeling user experience. QTC material has the unique ability to smoothly change from an electrical insulator to a metal-like conductor when placed under pressure giving a degree of sensitivity in mobile applications (i.e. the more force you apply the faster scrolling up/down a page, ete) and in particular in gaming applications (i.e. the more force you apply the faster you punch, run, fire, etc.). It may he understood that, by using QTC material, the specific design of the sensor may be tuned based on the specific requires of the device.

Notably, the inventors have combined existing cutting-edge technologies in a way that has not been done before. Specifically, the inventors have combined an NFC-based enabler IC and a QTC-based sensor to provide additional fttnetionality to a host device without significantly increasing the size or weight of the host device.

The product in accordance with embodiments is distinctly different to known products due to use of QTC and NFC harvesting technology. The product introduces a new category of smart accessories. This is an interactive device converting the back of an active device -e.g. S&T -to an additional playing and interacting surface for users, potentiaily designed in the form of a "mobile case" providing the added benefit of protecting the phone.

Figure 5 shows an example of how the passive device may be coupled to the active device. Specifically, Figure 5 shows a smartphone 501, FPC connector 503 mounted on PCB underside, PCB 505 with top mounted antenna, Q'l'C sensor 507 and sensor zones/areas 509.

Figure 6 shows an example of the passive device fully assembled to the active device.

Specifically, Figure 6 shows that the passive device provides a trackpad area 601, a QTC sensor area 603, a function button 605 and shoulder buttons 607.

In this embodiment, the passive device is physically attached to the active device, In this embodiment, the active device is a smartphonc. In an alternative embodiment, the active device is a tablet.

In embodiments, the passive device is a peripheral for the active device. The passive device may therefore be retrofitted to existing devices or used to extend the thnctionality of an active device, In a further embodiment, the peripheral is a case, wallet, cover or back-cover. It may be understood that the passive device could take other physical forms. For example, in a further embodiment, the passive device is a sticker.

It may be understood that the present disclosure also encompasses an NFC system comprising the passive device and an active device.

1 5 In embodiments, a software element is integrated enabling connection between the pressure-sensitive conductor, NFC hardware, operating system of the active device and the apps running on the active device.

Although aspects and embodiments have been described above, variations can be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. For example, embodiments relate to radio frequency "RF" signals but the skilled reader will appreciate that other frequency signals may be equally suitable.

Claims

Claims I. A passive device arranged to couple with an active device, the passive device comprising: am antenna arranged to receive a first radio frequency signal from an active device and transmit a second radio frequency signal to the active device; an enabler IC arranged to connect to thc antenna and convert the first radio frequency signal into electrical energy; and a user interface comprising at least one pressure-sensitive conductor powered by the electrical energy produced by the enabler IC, wherein the user interface is arranged to receive a user input.
2. A passive dcvicc as claimed in claim 1 frirther comprising a processor powered by the electrical energy produced by the enabler IC, wherein the processor is 1 5 arranged to drive the antenna to transmit the second radio frequency signal, wherein the second radio frequency signal comprises infoi-rnation identifying the user input.
3. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second radio frequency signals are communications in accordance with the NFC standard.
4. A passive device as claimed any preceding claim wherein the user interface comprises a spatial array of pressure-sensitive conductors.
5. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pressure sensitive conductor comprises a Quantum Tunnelling Composite.
6. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least onc of a HID interface, IME interface or API arranged to Facilitate communication between the passive device and active device.
7. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising an energy storage component arranged to store electrical energy produced by the enabler I C.
8. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim physically attached to the active device.
9. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the active device is a smartphone or tablet.
10. A passive device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the passive device is a peripheral for the active device.
11. A passive device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the peripheral is a case, wallet, cover or back-cover.
12. A passive device as claimed in any one of claims Ito 9 wherein the passive device is a sticker.
13. A NFC system comprising the passive device of any preceding claim and the active device.
14. A method of providing additional functionality to an active device, the method comprising coupling the active device with a passive device comprising a user interface arranged to receive a user input, the method comprising the following steps performed by the passive device: receiving a first radio frequency sial from the active device; producing electrical power from the first radio frequency signal; and powering the user interface using the electrical power produced from the first radio frequency signal, wherein the user interface comprises a pressure-sensitive conductor.
15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the passive device further comprising an antenna connected to a processor powered by the electrical power produced from the first radio frequency signal, the method further comprising: transmitting information identH'ing the user input, from the passive device to the active device, in a second radio frequency signal generated by the antenna,
16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15 wherein the first and second radio frequency signals arc communications in accordance with the NFC standard.
17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the user interface comprises a spatial array of pressure-sensitive conductors.
18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein the pressure-sensitive conductor is a Quantum Tunnelling Composite.
19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18 Thrther compñsing establishing a communication connection between the passive dcvice and active device, and deternñning whether an API or HID-based profile is available for facilitating communication between the passive device and active device.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19 further comprising defining an IME-based profile for facilitating communication between the passive device and active device.
21. A passive device, NFC system or method of providing additional functionality to an active device substantially as hercinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.