WO2012119207A1 - Capacitive touch input apparatus and method - Google Patents
Capacitive touch input apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2012119207A1 WO2012119207A1 PCT/AU2012/000253 AU2012000253W WO2012119207A1 WO 2012119207 A1 WO2012119207 A1 WO 2012119207A1 AU 2012000253 W AU2012000253 W AU 2012000253W WO 2012119207 A1 WO2012119207 A1 WO 2012119207A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- conductive
- input
- earthing
- touch sensor
- capacitive touch
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
- G06F3/044—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
- G06F3/0445—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
Abstract
A system (100), method and input device (102) for providing input to a capacitive touch sensor panel (105) of an electronic device (110). The system (100) includes an electronic device (110) having a capacitive touch sensor panel (105) and an input device (102). The input device (102) comprises a conductive input surface (120) conductively connected to a conductive earthing surface (125). The conductive earthing surface (125) is connected to an earthing surface of the electronic device (110), and the conductive input surface (120) is for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel (105).
Description
TITLE
"CAPACITIVE TOUCH INPUT APPARATUS AND METHOD"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to input mechanisms for electronic devices, and in particular to input for capacitive touch sensor panels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Capacitive touch sensor panels use a layer of capacitive material to hold an electrical charge. Touching the sensor panel changes an amount of charge at a specific point of contact. There are two common types of capacitive touch sensor panels, namely surface capacitance and projected capacitance touch sensor panels.
Surface capacitance is a relatively simply capacitive touch sensor panel technology. The surface of the sensor panel is coated with a
conductive layer to which a small voltage is applied. When touched with, for example, a finger, a capacitance change occurs that can be measured in the corners of the panel.
Projected capacitance touch sensor panels generally have a higher resolution than surface capacitance touch sensor panels. Projected capacitance touch sensor panels utilise an X-Y grid of electrodes which permit a high degree of resolution. Projected capacitance touch sensor panels allow for operation without direct contact, and as such the conducting layers can be coated with further protective insulating layers. These layers allow for operation even under sensor panel protectors or behind weather and vandal- proof glass.
There are two types of projected capacitance touch sensor panels commonly used, namely mutual and self capacitive projected capacitance touch sensor panels.
In self capacitive projected capacitance touch sensor panels, sensing pojnts are provided by an individual charged electrode. As an object approaches the surface of the touch sensor panel the object capacitively couples to those electrodes in close proximity to the object thereby stealing charge from the electrodes. An amount of charge in each of the electrodes is measured by the sensing circuit to determine a position of an object when it touches the touch sensor panel.
In mutual capacitive projected capacitance touch sensor panels, a two layer grid of spatially separated lines or wires is used. In the simplest case, an upper layer includes lines in rows while a lower layer includes lines in columns. Sensing points are provided at an intersection of the rows and columns. During operation, the rows are charged and the charge capacitively couples to the columns at the intersection. As an object approaches the surface of the touch sensor panel, the object capacitively couples to the rows at the intersection in close proximity to the object thereby stealing charge away from the rows and therefore the columns as well. An amount of charge in each of the columns is measured by a sensing circuit to determine the positions of objects when they touch the sensor panel.
At the heart of any capacitive-sensing system is a set of conductors which interact with electric fields. The tissue of the human body is filled with conductive electrolytes covered by a layer of skin, creating a lossy dielectric. It
is the conductive property of fingers that makes capacitive touch sensing possible.
A simple parallel plate capacitor has two conductors separated by a dielectric layer. Most energy in this system is concentrated directly between plates. Some of the energy spills over into an area outside the plates, and electric fields associated with this effect are called fringing fields.
Placing a finger near fringing electric fields adds conductive surface area to the capacitive sensing system. Additional charge storage capacity added by the finger is known as finger capacitance. A capacitance of the sensor without a finger present is referred to as the parasitic capacitance. For example, the finger capacitance can be of the order of 3% of the parasitic capacitance, or 0.5 pF.
A disadvantage of capacitive touch sensor panels of all the types mentioned above is, although they work if you touch them directly with your fingertip, they do not work if you use a standard stylus or wear non-conductive gloves. However, there are some stylus products on the market that are able to work with capacitive touch sensor panels.
A first type of stylus is a conductive material that basically transfers the conductivity from a person's body to the sensor panel through the stylus. For example, a rolled up piece of aluminium foil has been shown to work with some devices. A disadvantage of this type of stylus is that it does not work when gloves are used, or when a hand is not in contact with the stylus.
A second type of stylus is one that has a conductively charged material on the tip. Examples are the DAGi stylus (see www.dagi.com.tw) and the POGO stylus (see www.tenonedesign.com). These have been reported to
work relatively poorly when gloves are used, and the charged tip has been reported to lose charge and hence wear out over time.
An additional problem with the stylus products mentioned above is their inability to work on a wet sensor panel. The H20 Audio iDive 300,
manufactured by H20 Audio of San Diego, California, USA, is an example of a product which allows a diver to control an telephone whilst under water, up to 90m. Control is given to the user through raised buttons on a side of the product. These buttons are used to interface with a docking port of the telephone, and utilise the audio and video features of the telephones multimedia application. A disadvantage of this type of product is that control is not given to access the touch sensor panel or specific applications, such as a camera application.
There is therefore a need for an improved capacitive touch input
\
system and method. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved input device and/or method that overcomes, alleviates and/or ameliorates one or more of the above disadvantages and/or provides a useful commercial choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a system including an electronic device having a capacitive touch sensor panel and an input device for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel, the input device comprising: a conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
Preferably, the input device further comprises:
a body having first and second ends, wherein the conductive earthing surface is coupled to the first end, and the conductive input surface is attached to the second end.
Preferably, the conductive input surface is pivotally attached to the second end.
Alternatively, the conductive input surface is fixed to the second end at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees relative to an axis of the body.
Preferably, the body has an elongated shape;
Preferably, at least a surface of the body comprises non-conductive material.
Optionally, at least part of the body is conductive.
Optionally, the conductive material of the body is switchably connected to the conductive input surface.
Alternatively, the conductive input surface comprises a plurality of selection means, wherein each of said selection means is conductively attached to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter.
Preferably, the plurality of selection means comprise a spaced array, wherein the spaced array is adapted such that each selection means interfaces with a different portion of the capacitive touch sensor panel.
Preferably, the conductive earthing surface is a surface of a 3.5mm male stereo adapter.
Alternatively, the earthing adapter is shaped such that the conductive earthing surface can be connected to an antenna portion of the electronic device.
Alternatively, the conductive earthing surface is a surface of a recharging plug, such that such that the recharging plug can be attached to a recharging port of the electronic device.
Alternatively, the conductive earthing surface is a surface of a communications plug, such that the communications plug can be attached to a communications port of the electronic device.
Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a 3.5mm female stereo adapter electrically connected to the 3.5mm male stereo adapter.
Preferably, the conductive input surface comprises one of a metallic ring and a metallic disc.
In another form, the invention resides in ah input method for providing input to a device comprising a capacitive touch sensor panel and an external earthing surface, the method comprising:
creating a conductive connection between a conductive input surface and the device through the external earthing surface of the device;
placing the conductive input surface adjacent to a selected sensor area of the capacitive touch sensor panel;
determining the location of the selected sensor area; and
generating an input to the device based upon the location of the selected sensor area.
Preferably, the external earthing surface is a 3.5mm female stereo adapter.
Alternatively, the external earthing surface is an antenna portion of the electronic device.
Alternatively, the external earthing surface is a surface of a recharging port of the electronic device.
Alternatively, the external earthing surface is a surface of a
communications port of the electronic device.
In yet another form, the invention resides in a waterproof case for an electronic device including a capacitive touch sensor panel, the waterproof case including:
an earthing adapter comprising a conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter,
wherein the conductive input surface is operable from outside of the waterproof case, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
Preferably, the conductive input surface is operable through application of pressure to a surface of the waterproof case.
Preferably, the waterproof case further includes a second conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter, wherein the second conductive input surface is operable from outside of the waterproof case, the second conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel, and wherein the conductive surface and the second conductive surface are configured to activate different locations of the capacitive touch sensor panel.
In yet another form, the invention resides in an input device for providing input to a capacitive touch sensor panel of an electronic device, the input device comprising:
a conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive . earthing surface, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates system including an input stylus for providing input to a capacitive touch sensor panel of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 further illustrates the input stylus of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 shows a top view of an input device attached to the device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a side view of the input device of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 shows an earphone connection according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method for providing input to a device comprising a capacitive touch sensor panel and an earphone connection, according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Words such as "comprises" or "includes" are intended to define a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Words such as "earth", "ground" and "earthing" are used interchangeably to denote an electrical reference point.
The present invention resides in a system including an electronic device having a capacitive touch sensor panel and an input device for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel. The input device comprises an earthing adapter comprising a conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter. The conductive input surface is for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
Some advantages of the present invention include that capacitive touch sensor panels are enabled to function underwater, including salty sea water, and that an input device can function without requiring contact with a
conductive hand. This enables the input device to be used with gloves.
Additionally, the input device does not require any pre-charged materials that may wear out and there is no need for an external power source such as a battery for the input device. Further, no additional connections are needed on the device, or any other modifications.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 including an input device in the form of an input stylus 102, and an electronic device 110, according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The input stylus 102 is for providing input to a capacitive touch sensor panel 105 of the electronic device 110. The input stylus 02 comprises a body 115 with an elongated shape similar to a pen, a conductive input surface 120, a conductive earthing surface in the form of a surface of an earphone adapter 125, and a conductive wire 130.
The conductive input surface 120 is advantageously substantially flat to enable a large surface contact area with the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. Examples of conductive input surfaces 120 include a metal disk or washer-like surface approximately 6mm in diameter, but as is understood by a person skilled in the art various other shapes and sizes may be used. The size required for the conductive input surface 120 is directly related to a resolution of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. The resolution of capacitive touch sensor panels 105 are expected to increase, meaning that conductive input surfaces 120 much smaller than the abovementioned 6mm are envisaged.
The conductive input surface 120 is attached to a first end of the body 115, advantageously at an angle of approximately 70 degrees, relative to an axis of the body, for ergonomic reasons. Alternatively, the conductive input
surface 120 may be attached to the body 115 where an angle between the conductive input surface 120 and the body 115 is variable and may be adjusted. An example of such an attachment which is variable is a ball joint, hinge, or a pivotal connection.
The conductive input surface 120, when having a washer-like shape with a hole, is advantageously attached to the body 115 such that the hole is not concealed. A user may use the hole to see the capacitive touch sensor panel 105.
The conductive input surface 120 is conductively connected to the conductive wire 130 which runs through the body 115 to a second end of the body 115 and then to the earphone adapter 125. The earphone adapter 125 is connected to an external earthing surface of the electronic device 10, preferably a female earphone connector of the electronic device 110. The earphone adapter 125 is advantageously a 3.5mm earphone adapter that is used with capacitive touch sensor panel telephones such as the iPhone® produced by Apple Computer, Inc.. The conductive wire 30 is
advantageously connected to a ground surface component of the earphone adapter 125.
The body 115 is advantageously made at least partly from a non- conductive material, such as.rubber or plastic, such that a user's hand is isolated from the conductive wire 130 and conductive input surface 120 during normal use.
In alternative embodiments, the body 115 is made from a conductive material that is connected to the conductive input surface 120. The input stylus 102 can then also be used without the earphone adapter 125 being
connected. Conductivity travels from a person's body to the sensor panel through the stylus. The earphone adapter 125 and/or the conductive wire 130 are advantageously removably connected to the conductive input surface 120, for example through a plug on the body 115. The conductive material of the body 115 is advantageously switchably connected to the conductive input surface 120 such that either the conductive material of the body 115 or the earphone adapter 125 is conductively connected to the conductive input surface 120.
The input stylus can be used for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel 105 of the electronic device 110. This can be achieved by placing the conductive input surface 120 adjacent a portion of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. The conductive input surface 120 capacitively couples to electrodes of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105 that are in close proximity to the conductive input surface 120. By capacitively coupling to electrodes in a portion of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105, input is provided to the capacitive touch sensor panel 105 relating to a location of the conductive input surface 120. This input can then be converted to, for example, x,y coordinates, or another type of signal.
FIG. 2 further illustrates the input stylus 102 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The earphone adapter 125 is shown not connected to the electronic device 110 (which is not shown in FIG. 2).
FIG. 3 shows a top view of an input device 300 attached to the electronic device 110 and FIG. 4 shows a side view of the input device 300 attached to an earthing surface of the electronic device 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The input device 300 comprises
selection means in the form of selection components 305, a conductive earthing surface in the form of an earthing component 310 and support components 315.
Each selection component of the selection components 305 is individually selectable, and when the input device 300 is attached to the electronic device 110, the selection components 305 are adjacent to selection portions of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. The selection portions of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105 are advantageously button type icons such as a button for taking a photo, or components of a menu system.
The support components 315 hold the selection components 305 adjacent to, but not touching, the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. The selection components are flexible such that when force is applied to the top of the selection components, they bend down towards the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. When force is applied and the selection components are near the capacitive touch sensor panel 105, the selection components activate sensors of the capacitive touch sensor panel 105.
The earthing component 310 and the selection components 305 are conductively attached. The earthing component 310 is placed adjacent to, and in contact with an external earthing surface in the form of an antenna of the electronic device 110. The electronic device 110 shown is of the type iPhone 4, produced by Apple Computer, Inc. of California, USA, where the antenna is built into a metal body of the electronic device 1 0.
The selection components 305 may be made from conductive material. Alternatively, a surface of the selection components 305 is made from a conductive material. Suitably, the selection components 305 are made from
transparent material, such as transparent plastic. A conductive surface may then be attached to a surface of the selection components 305. The conductive surface in this case comprises preferably thin lines of conductive material as to not conceal the capacitive touch sensor panel 105.
As is understood by a person skilled in the art, the antenna may be located in other parts of the electronic device 0 and the input device 300 may be attached to the antenna in another manner. Similarly, as understood by one skilled in the art, the selection components 305 may be conductively attached to another external earthing point of the electronic device 110, such as the earphone adapter 125 of FIG. 1, a charging port of the electronic device 110, a communications port of the electronic device 110, or the like. Similarly, as is understood by one skilled in the art, the earthing surfaces and earthing adapters described above may be used with the input stylus 102 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 shows an earphone connection 500 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The earphone connection 500 comprises an earphone adapter 125 that is a 3.5mm male connection, a 3.5mm female connection 510, and a conductive wire 130.
The 3.5mm male connection 505 and the 3.5mm female connection 510 are electrically connected. A signal on the 3.5mm male connection 125 propagates to the 3.5mm female connection 510 substantially unchanged. The conductive wire 130 is connected to the conductive input surface 120 (not shown in FIG. 5).
FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method 600 for providing input to an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device comprises the capacitive touch sensor panel.
At step 610 a conductive connection is made with an input surface and the electronic device through an earphone connection of the electronic device. This connection may be made through a ground of the earphone connection and a wire. However, as is understood by one skilled in the art, the
connection may be made using other materials or using another connection of the electronic device.
At step 620, the input surface is placed adjacent to a selected sensor area of the capacitive touch sensor panel. The selected sensor area of the capacitive touch sensor panel may be a square on a grid, an x,y co-ordinate . at a specific resolution, or another selected area as is understood by one skilled in the art.
At step 630, a location of the selected sensor area is determined. The location may be determined by, for example, measuring an amount of charge in rows and columns of the capacitive touch sensor panel, an X-Y grid of electrodes or by measuring the charge at corners of the panel, as is understood by a person skilled in the art.
At step 640, an input to the electronic device based upon the location of the selected sensor area is generated. Examples of input to the electronic device 110 include coordinates corresponding to the location, selection or moving of an object and navigation through a menu system.
The input stylus 102, the input device 300 and the method 600 are capable of being used underwater, including in salty sea water. The
electronic device 110 need not be waterproof as the input stylus 102, the input device 300 and method 600 may be used together with a waterproof casing. An example of a waterproof casing is a plastic casting with a thin waterproof membrane adjacent the capacitive touch sensor panel 105. The waterproof casing may include an earphone adapter connected to the earphone adapter of the electronic device 110. Alternatively, the waterproof casing may contain an opening with a rubber seal enabling the conductive wire 130 to protrude the waterproof casing. The input stylus 102 or the input device 300 can be located inside the waterproof casing or outside the waterproof casing.
Additionally, support features such as the support components 315, earthing component 310, or the entire input device 300 may be incorporated directly into a case, such as a waterproof case.
Some advantages of the present invention include:
a) Capacitive touch sensor panels are enabled to function under water, including salty sea water.
b) An input stylus can function without requiring a conductive hand, enabling the input stylus to be used with gloves.
c) The input stylus does not require any pre-charged materials that may wear out.
d) There is no need for an external power source such as a battery for the input device.
e) No additional connections are needed on the device.
The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single
disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this patent specification is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.
Limitations in any patent claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims, and such limitations should not be limited to specific examples described herein. In this specification, the terminology "present invention" is used as a reference to one or more aspects within the present disclosure. The terminology "present invention" should not be improperly interpreted as an identification of critical elements, should not be improperly interpreted as applying to all aspects and embodiments, and should not be improperly interpreted as limiting the scope of any patent claims.
Claims
1. A system comprising:
an electronic device having a capacitive touch sensor panel; and an input device for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel, the input device comprising:
a conductive earthing surface connected to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
2. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the input device further comprises:
a body having first and second ends, wherein the conducting earthing surface is coupled to the first end, and the conductive input surface is attached to the second end;
3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the conductive input surface is pivotally attached to the body.
4. A system according to claim 2, wherein the conductive input surface is fixed to the second end at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees relative to an axis of the body.
5. A system according to claim 2, wherein the body has an elongated shape.
6. A system according to claim 2, wherein at least a surface of the body comprises non-conductive material.
7. A system according to claim 2, wherein at least part of the body is conductive.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the at least part of the body that is conductive is switchably connected to the conductive input surface.
9. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive input surface comprises a plurality of selection means, wherein each selection means of said plurality of selection means is conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter.
10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of selection means comprise a spaced array, wherein the spaced array is adapted such that each selection means interfaces with a different portion of the capacitive touch sensor panel.
11. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive earthing surface is a surface of a 3.5mm male stereo adapter.
12. A system according to claim 1. wherein the earthing adapter is shaped such that the conductive earthing surface can be connected to an antenna portion of the electronic device.
13. A system according to claim 1 , wherein the conductive earthing surface is a surface of a plug, wherein that the plug can be attached to one of a recharging port of the electronic device and a communications port of the electronic device.
14. A system according to claim 11 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a 3.5mm female stereo adapter electrically connected to the 3.5mm male stereo adapter.
15. A system according to claim 1 , wherein conductive input surface comprises one of a metallic ring and a metallic disc.
16. A method of providing input to a device comprising a capacitive touch sensor panel and an external earthing surface, the method comprising:
creating a conductive connection between a conductive input surface and the capacitive touch sensor panel through the external earthing surface of the device;
placing the conductive input surface adjacent to a selected sensor area of the capacitive touch sensor panel;
determining the location of the selected sensor area; and generating an input to the device based upon the location of the selected sensor area.
17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the external earthing surface is one of a 3.5mm female stereo adapter, an antenna portion of the electronic device, a surface of a recharging port of the electronic device, and a surface of a communications port of the electronic device.
18. A waterproof case for an electronic device including a capacitive touch sensor panel, the waterproof case including:
an earthing adapter comprising a conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface of the earthing adapter,
wherein the conductive input surface is operable from outside of the waterproof case, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
19. A waterproof case according to claim 18, wherein the conductive input surface is operable through application of pressure to a surface of the waterproof case.
20. An input device for providing input to a capacitive touch sensor panel of an electronic device, the input device comprising: an conductive earthing surface for connecting to an earthing surface of the electronic device; and
a conductive input surface conductively connected to the conductive earthing surface, the conductive input surface for providing input to the capacitive touch sensor panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2011900863 | 2011-03-10 | ||
| AU2011900863A AU2011900863A0 (en) | 2011-03-10 | Capacitive touch input apparatus and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2012119207A1 true WO2012119207A1 (en) | 2012-09-13 |
Family
ID=46797341
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2012/000253 WO2012119207A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 | 2012-03-09 | Capacitive touch input apparatus and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2012119207A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| WO2015148222A1 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-10-01 | Google Technology Holdings LLC | Systems and methods for managing operating modes of an electronic device |
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| US20030213624A1 (en) * | 2002-05-20 | 2003-11-20 | Cross Elisa M. | Capacitive touch screen with conductive polymer |
| GB2435998B (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2008-02-20 | Harald Philipp | Capacitive touch sensor |
| WO2009126183A2 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2009-10-15 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Pen stylus enabled capacitive touch system and method |
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- 2012-03-09 WO PCT/AU2012/000253 patent/WO2012119207A1/en active Application Filing
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030213624A1 (en) * | 2002-05-20 | 2003-11-20 | Cross Elisa M. | Capacitive touch screen with conductive polymer |
| GB2435998B (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2008-02-20 | Harald Philipp | Capacitive touch sensor |
| WO2009126183A2 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2009-10-15 | Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Ab | Pen stylus enabled capacitive touch system and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| WO2015148222A1 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2015-10-01 | Google Technology Holdings LLC | Systems and methods for managing operating modes of an electronic device |
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