Patent ID: 7310089
Filing Date: 2007-12-18
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An annular touch sensor comprising: a bottom substrate; an annular pattern of resistive material on a top surface of the bottom substrate; a plurality of conductive drive lines, each conductive drive line radially traversing the annular pattern of resistive material so as to make electrical connection with the annular pattern of resistive material; a top substrate spaced above the top surface of the bottom substrate; and a conductive sense layer on a bottom surface of the top substrate, the conductive sense layer positioned above the annular pattern of resistive material; whereby pressure applied to either the top substrate or the bottom substrate causes a portion of the conductive sense layer to contact a corresponding portion of the annular pattern of resistive material thus permitting the angular position of the applied pressure to be determined by measuring at least one electrical parameter between at least one of the conductive drive lines and the conductive sense layer.